An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis significantly influences an individual's social interactions and communication, which creates unique concerns for college students with ASD when forming romantic relationships. This nine-year study, involving 124 individuals with ASD provides implications for couples and family counselors supporting individuals with ASD seeking romantic connections.
American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). The American Psychiatric Association. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
2.
BakkerT.KrabbendamL.BhulaiS.BegeerS. (2019). Background and enrollment characteristics of students with austim in higher education. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 67(11), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101424
3.
BeddowsN.BrooksR. (2016). Inappropriate sexual behaviour in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: What education is recommended and why. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 10(4), 282–289. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.12265
CooperK.LoadesM. E.RussellA. J. (2018). Adapting psychological therapies for autism: Therapist experience, skills and confidence. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 45(1), 43–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2017.11.002
8.
FarleyM.CottleK. J.BilderD.ViskochilJ.CoonH.McMahonW. (2017). Mid-life social outcomes for a population-based sample of adults with ASD. Autism Research, 11(1), 142–152. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1897
JobeL. E.WhiteS. W. (2007). Loneliness, social relationships, and a broader autism phenotype in college students. Personality and Individual Differences, 42(8), 1479–1489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.10.021
11.
KornblumA.UngerD.GroteG. (2021). How romantic relationships affect individual career goal attainment: A transactive goal dynamics perspective. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 125(2), Article 103523, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103523.
12.
KunziK. (2015). Improving social skills of adults with autism spectrum disorder through physical activity, sports, and games: A review of the literature. Adultspan Journal, 14(2), 100–113. https://doi.org/10.1002/adsp.12008
13.
LaugesonE. A. (2017). PEERS for young adults: Social skills training for adults with autism spectrum disorder and other social challenges.Routledge.
14.
MogaveroM. C.HsuK. H. (2020). Dating and courtship behaviors among those with autism spectrum disorder.Sexuality and Disability, 31(3), 355–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-019-09565-8
15.
Noble, N., Bueno, N., Lourenco, M., Williams, A., Stafford, J., & O’Connor, J. (2024a). College students with autism spectrum disorder’s experiences maintaining romantic relationships: Counseling implications. The Family Journal, 32(1), 56–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807231198870
16.
Noble, N., Bueno, N., Zatopek, A., & Hernandez, J. (2024b). Helping college students with autism spectrum disorder: Exploring factors affecting use of counselling. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research,1–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12751
17.
Noble, N., Fidler, T., Bueno, N., Lei, X., Zatopek, A., & Lourenco, M. (2024c). The impact of COVID-19 on college students with autism: Implications for college counselors. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 38(2), 293—310. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2023.2181254
StrunzS.SchermuckC.BallersteinS.AhlersC. J.DziobekI.RoepkeS. (2017). Romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction among adults with asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(1), 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22319
