Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain processes information. People with autism often experience challenges with social interaction, communication and may engage in repetitive behaviors or routines — symptoms that are routinely misinterpreted and warped into myths about autism.

It has been long established that love transcends medical diagnoses. Almost all of us long for love even when our ways of expressing our affection may differ.

However, the misconception that neurodivergent people, especially people on the spectrum, are incapable, unable or uninterested in finding and cherishing love hasn't completely left popular imagination.

Some people may show their love through words of affection, while others might prefer physical touch. The same goes for people with autism. They may not express their love in the exact same ways many neurotypical people do, but that does not mean their love is not present.

Why Do Some People With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Struggle With Romantic Connections?

According to U.S. surveillance studies in 2020, approximately 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism.

Individuals with autism often struggle with social interactions. They may find it difficult to understand others' feelings and intentions, maintain eye contact and adapt to social norms.

Here are three key behavioral struggles they may show:

• Communication challenges. Some may experience delays in language development, while others may have difficulty using language to communicate, even if their language skills are developed.
• Repetitive behaviors and/or interests. They may fixate on specific topics, activities or body movements and overly rely on daily routines.
• Sensory sensitivity. They may have abnormalities in sensory processing and have strong or delayed responses to light, taste or odor.

While these symptoms can be managed with dedicated effort and care, it isn't difficult to see how they could become an impediment in one's social and romantic life, especially when their condition is misunderstood or stigmatized.

A 2024 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders explored the experience of love and physical intimacy in romantic relationships in people with and without autism.

The researchers paid special attention to the language used to describe autism. In line with how many individuals had received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), researchers deliberately used identity-first language (e.g., "autistic person" rather than "person with autism").

It divided participants into two groups: 31 autistic individuals (with an ASD diagnosis) and 26 non-autistic individuals (without an ASD diagnosis, but not necessarily neurotypical).

Participants completed an online survey that served two main purposes. First, they were assessed for autism-related traits. Second, the survey included open-ended questions about experiences and perceptions of romantic and sexual intimacy.

These questions explored aspects such as the meaning of physical intimacy, personal comfort and satisfaction levels and any barriers participants encountered in intimate relationships to understand the extent of their relational exposure and experience.

Here are two key findings of the study that contradict popular misconceptions about autism and relationships.

1. People On The Spectrum Can And Do Enjoy Romantic Connections

People with autism have long been stereotyped as emotionally distant or uninterested in romance and sexuality. And if they do desire romance, it's automatically assumed that they will be socially distant in their relationship or will fail to maintain the bond due to a "deficit" in their relationship skills.

Contrary to these outdated beliefs, the study found that autistic individuals not only experience love and romantic attraction, but they also form deep emotional bonds and maintain long-term relationships. The difference might lie in how they express and communicate their desire or understand those of others'.

In addition to this, many autistic individuals also explored their gender and sexual identities and, in fact, wanted more access to practical, inclusive sex education.

The 2017 Netflix series Atypical captured this "difference" in expressing and experiencing love with a deliberate sincerity. Sam Gardner, the protagonist, is a teenager with autism, who decides that he'd like to start dating.

Initially, his parents are skeptical of him being able to handle a relationship, and he surprises them by going on a successful date with someone his age and handling it the best he can.

The series rose in popularity and also garnered critical acclaim, from neurotypical as well as neurodivergent audiences. It was branded as a sensitive and well-intentioned portrayal of a neurodivergent person's experience of love, friendship, family and the challenges of teenage life.

This series, and scores of new research all seem to echo the same sentiment: what autistic people need is better support to navigate intimacy and connections, not limits on their exposure.

2. Autistic Individuals Deeply Value Communication

Autistic participants seemed to value the same things in a relationship as their non-autistic counterparts: good communication, shared interests or values, mutual respect and personal and relational growth.

But one thing stood out: participants on the spectrum emphasized the importance of clear and direct communication significantly more than the non-autistic group. According to them, ambiguity in romantic or sexual contexts is what leaves them confused or anxious.

While most people are scared of internal or interpersonal conflict, it can be particularly challenging for those on the spectrum. Uncertainty is especially tough on them as they often lack the intuitive language of non-verbal social cues, struggle to predict what a partner might be feeling and are unsure of the invisible and "unwritten" social expectations involved in dating.

People with autism also face serious gaps when it comes to relationship support due to the challenges of their condition:

• Inadequate sex education. Traditional sex ed often doesn't speak to the realities or needs of learners with autism, which leaves many unprepared to navigate intimacy.
• Confusion around identity. Without inclusive resources, many struggle to understand or express their own sexual orientation or romantic feelings.
• Sensory sensitivities. Physical touch may feel overwhelming or unpredictable to those with autism, alienating them to an essential "given" of romantic and platonic relationships.

What might benefit them is being able to talk openly about their needs and boundaries and using non-sexual forms of physical closeness (like cuddling) to build trust and comfort.

Planning intimacy in advance can help those who hate the unpredictability that comes with relationships. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate new situations can also help curb their anxiety to some extent.

At the end of the day, it is really in experiencing, rather than knowing, that helps people with autism advance in relationships. Having the safety net of communication and mental preparedness can help, immeasurably, with confidence and self-possession.

People with autism fall in love like anybody else. But they benefit from added support that meets their unique needs. It's time we stop assuming that neurodivergent people are "too awkward" or "too different" to love or be loved. And love, in all its forms, can and should make space for all the differences we have.

Being in a relationship can feel different for everyone. Do you feel content in yours? Take this science-backed test to find out:Relationship Satisfaction Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com,here.