Autistic Adults’ Relationship Perceptions and Preferences: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Recent research suggests that many Autistic adults are both interested in forming socially significant relationships and experiencing a range of different relationship types. However, their perceptions and preferences for forming and managing these relationships may differ from those of non-autistic individuals.

Method: This scoping review explored the relationship perceptions and preferences of Autistic adults. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a systematic search identified 1477 potentially relevant articles, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. The included publications examined Autistic adults’ perceptions and preferences of friendships, romantic/intimate relationships, and mentoring relationships.

Results: Findings revealed that many Autistic adults prefer engaging with fellow Autistic people, often favoring online interactions or connections through shared interests and structured activities. Additionally, many Autistic adults reported social and communication challenges across relationship types.

Conclusions: These findings confirm that many Autistic adults desire and engage in a variety of relationships, with some expressing a need for further support in facilitating, strengthening, or maintaining them. This review also highlights the need for further research to explore a broader range of relationship types among Autistic adults.

Community Brief

Why is this an important issue?

Historical research has suggested that Autistic individuals are uninterested or incapable of forming relationships with others; however, this is now known to be untrue. In fact, many Autistic people are interested in forming relationships and experience a range of different relationship types. We also know that Autistic individuals may view and approach their relationships differently than non-autistic people. It is important to understand these different views and approaches in order to identify gaps in the literature, as well as provide specific support to help maximize positive outcomes for Autistic people.

What is the purpose of the review?

This review aimed to explore and summarize the relationship perceptions and preferences of Autistic adults.

What did the authors do to review the literature?

We created a protocol outlining our review questions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and search terms. We then conducted an online search of five electronic databases using our search terms. These database searches were uploaded into Covidence, an online screening tool.

What studies did the authors find?

Using Covidence, we screened 1477 articles against the inclusion criteria. Of these, 98 studies met the review criteria and were moved to full-text screening. Upon completion of full-text screening, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

In summary, what did those studies show?

The articles we reviewed covered friendships, romantic relationships, and mentoring relationships. We found that Autistic adults experience a range of different relationship types, and their preferences and perceptions for these relationships are often different to non-autistic people. Across relationship types, many Autistic adults expressed a preference for interacting with other Autistic individuals. Additionally, many Autistic adults also indicated a preference for online interactions or connections based on shared activities and interests. Furthermore, it was common for Autistic adults to report social and communication challenges across all types of relationships.

What are the remaining gaps in the literature?

We found that most research exploring the relationship perceptions and preferences of Autistic adults was mainly focused on friendships, leaving other socially significant relationships underexplored.

Based on this review, what do the authors recommend?

We recommend that more research is taken to explore Autistic adults’ experiences of a range of different relationship types, including romantic/intimate and mentoring relationships. This would provide a more detailed understanding of their social needs and preferences. Future research could also explore the relationship perceptions and preferences of those Autistic adults with complex support or communication needs, as this population is frequently overlooked in the literature.