Social Relationships and Asperger's Syndrome

Abstract

First-hand accounts of five people diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome who spoke about social relationships were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Four central themes were identified. These were an awareness of the difficulties in communication and comprehension, descriptions of attempts to `fit in' by trying to role-play at being non-autistic, the awareness of other people with Asperger's as a supportive community, and an awareness of the benefits of the Internet as a means to develop and maintain social relationships. Overall the analysis showed a high degree of awareness and insight into individual difficulties with social relationships, and highlighted other people with Asperger's as a source of friendship and support.