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For some people on the autism spectrum, emotional attachment can be difficult and this may affect intimate relationships, family relationships and friendships. Here we present the views of people on the spectrum and, in some cases, their partners.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Relationships on the autism spectrum >> Relationships on the autism spectrum

For some people on the autism spectrum, emotional attachment can be difficult and this may affect intimate relationships, family relationships and friendships. Here we present the views of people on the spectrum and, in some cases, their partners.

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Feeling different >> Feeling different

Feeling different

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Feeling different >> Feeling different

Feeling different

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Intimate Relationships >> Intimate Relationships

Intimate Relationships

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Intimate Relationships >> Intimate Relationships

Intimate Relationships

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Friendships >> Friendships

Friendships

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Friendships >> Friendships

Friendships

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• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine and Neil were pen pals for a few years before they moved in together.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Sue describes how her husband could never relate emotionally to anything happening at home and did not recognise when she was upset.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Sue has had a difficult relationship; she is cautiously hopeful about Richard’s attempts to change his behaviour.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Steve - Interview 37 >> Steven talks about how much he and his son value his wife.

Steve and his son have been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Steve is studying for a degree in autism using distance learning and has heightened sensory sensitivities and some OCD traits.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Harriet - Interview 42 >> Harriet talks about taking an overdose and self harming during her adolescence.

Harriet was diagnosed with high functioning autism when she was 39 years old. She has aspects of her life which she finds difficult like changes in routine, sensory sensitivities and a dislike of social interaction.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Duncan - Interview 51 >> Duncan prefers a night in, wearing a baggy tee shirt and jogging bottoms, to going out.

Duncan, 17, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was thirteen years old after originally being diagnosed with dyspraxia. He is currently in sixth form doing his A levels and hopes to go to university.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Daniel and Margaret - Interview 54 >> Daniel and Margaret say that Daniel has learnt to argue back effectively and now holds his own ground.

Daniel was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 11 years old. He does voluntary work one day a week and Margaret runs a support group for people with Asperger syndrome.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine and Neil talk about how they support each other and they have both learnt a lot through their relationship.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine has learnt how to “sit about with people” from Neil and is amazed she can now do that.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Sam – Interview 17b >> Sam finds a lot of people “banal” but found having a friend at university made a “massive difference” to him.

Sam was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago. He is studying for a PhD and lives by himself.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Mark - Interview 58 >> Mark is not sure if he could deal with the ‘level of intensity’ involved in an intimate relationship

Mark, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 26. He is returning to university to study economics and accountancy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Mark - Interview 58 >> Mark says he tends to approach people with a ‘level of emotional detachment'.

Mark, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 26. He is returning to university to study economics and accountancy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Richard talks about how he wants to make up for the ways in which he has neglected his children while Sue has some reservations.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Miranda – Interview 05b >> Miranda is happy to be on her own after some unhappy relationships in the past.

Miranda was recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, after three years of her being aware that she may have the condition.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Richard and Sue talk about their different use of internet chat rooms.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie found it “useful to know” that her husband was autistic so she could change her expectations of him.

Tim was diagnosed with autism eight years after a paediatrician suggested that there was a family link between himself and his son. Tim has a very supportive wife and they have two sons who also have autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie lets Tim know she is joking by saying “joke alert”.

Tim was diagnosed with autism eight years after a paediatrician suggested that there was a family link between himself and his son. Tim has a very supportive wife and they have two sons who also have autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Christopher – Interview 14b >> Christopher prefers to stay home as he finds going out scary.

Christopher, 17, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 14. Family is very important to Christopher and he will soon start college to do A-Levels in history and law.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Russell – Interview 07b >> Russell scared his university flat mates at times because of his anger outbursts.

Russell was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. His awareness of potential difficulties is increasing as he grows older and more aware. Russell describes himself as being prone to outbursts and is taking anti-depressants.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> Kate Winslett was Mary’s most extreme obsession and this lasted for eight years.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie and her sons have adapted their lives to include Tim’s obsession with exercise or he can become “anxious and nasty at times”.

Tim was diagnosed with autism eight years after a paediatrician suggested that there was a family link between himself and his son. Tim has a very supportive wife and they have two sons who also have autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> John – Interview 08b >> John finds his difficulties socialising are magnified when he is with women.

After having a lot of contact with mental health services over the years, John was diagnosed with mild Asperger syndrome aged 45. Previous employment has proved problematic for John and he feels employers should be more aware of Asperger syndrome.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie is better able to let Tim do what he wants to do, now they have the diagnosis.

Tim was diagnosed with autism eight years after a paediatrician suggested that there was a family link between himself and his son. Tim has a very supportive wife and they have two sons who also have autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Miranda – Interview 05b >> Miranda’s father had old fashioned ideas about women. A doctor suggested he and her brother were on the spectrum.

Miranda was recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, after three years of her being aware that she may have the condition.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Damian – Interview 03b >> Damian’s relationship with his son is “the best thing”.

Damian was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome a year ago. He is well educated with a degree, Master’s degree and a PGCE, and is now studying for a PhD. Damian lives with his son, 7, who has classic autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex has online friends who help her by checking that she has eaten or locked her doors.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Richard – Interview 12b >> Richard has various friends that he plays games and watches television with.

Richard, aged 22, was diagnosed with autism when he was just over two years old. He lives in independent supported living accommodation.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie has to mediate misunderstandings that occur between her husband and two sons.

Tim was diagnosed with autism eight years after a paediatrician suggested that there was a family link between himself and his son. Tim has a very supportive wife and they have two sons who also have autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Ian – Interview 13b >> Ian finds it easier to make friends with autistic people as they think the same.

Ian is 22 and was diagnosed with autism with he was 8 years old. He is currently doing a vocational waiting at table course and is interested in palaeontology and film making.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> It took Simon a while to learn what a friend was and explains how he finds it hard to trust people.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> As a child, Mary was very clingy and obsessive about friendships.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Damian – Interview 03b >> Damian tends to go out with “odd ball misfits” and relationships have been very intense.

Damian was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome a year ago. He is well educated with a degree, Master’s degree and a PGCE, and is now studying for a PhD. Damian lives with his son, 7, who has classic autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Richard – Interview 12b >> Richard needed the help of support staff to end a relationship

Richard, aged 22, was diagnosed with autism when he was just over two years old. He lives in independent supported living accommodation.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Russell – Interview 07b >> For Russell socialising is like “going into a battle of tongues unarmed” though he would like a girlfriend.

Russell was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. His awareness of potential difficulties is increasing as he grows older and more aware. Russell describes himself as being prone to outbursts and is taking anti-depressants.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Close relationships are Alex’s idea of “hell”. She can cope well with relationships on the internet.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Sam – Interview 17b >> Sam stopped talking to his parents when he was 17. Since learning his diagnosis he has resumed contact with them

Sam was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago. He is studying for a PhD and lives by himself.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie’s family don’t understand Tim. Tim’s family, while understanding, refuse to discuss autism.

Tim was diagnosed with autism eight years after a paediatrician suggested that there was a family link between himself and his son. Tim has a very supportive wife and they have two sons who also have autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Oliver and Suzie – Interview 11b >> The members of Oliver’s family who are on the autism spectrum are very easy going and don’t worry about what other people think of them.

Oliver was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago. His mother and younger brother had also been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome previously. Oliver describes his family as easy going and not concerned about what other people think about them.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> While they try to be helpful, Mary feels her parents don’t really understand the problems she experiences.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.