The Kind of Friend I Think I Am: Perceptions of Autistic and Non-autistic Young Adults.

This study compared how autistic and non-autistic young adults (ages 18-24) prefer to behave in friendships. Researchers surveyed 102 autistic and 107 non-autistic participants and found that autistic people have different friendship preferences and practices compared to their non-autistic peers. The results support the idea that friendship difficulties aren't just about autistic people lacking social skills, but rather about differences in how autistic and non-autistic people naturally approach relationships.

This cross-sectional study examined friendship preferences and behaviors among 102 autistic and 107 non-autistic young adults aged 18-24 years using selected questions from the Friendship Questionnaire. Using binary logistic regression and multivariate general linear modeling, researchers identified significant differences in preferred friendship practices between the two groups. The findings suggest that autistic individuals have distinct approaches to friendship that differ from non-autistic peers. The results support the Double Empathy Theory, which proposes that communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic individuals arise from bidirectional misunderstandings rather than deficits solely in autistic people.

This research provides important context for understanding the normative friendship practices within the autistic community.

These findings suggest clinicians should recognize and validate autistic individuals' natural friendship preferences rather than focusing solely on teaching neurotypical social norms. Understanding these differences may inform more effective social support strategies that build on autistic people's existing strengths and preferences in relationships.

The abstract does not specify methodological limitations, sample characteristics beyond age range, or potential confounding variables. The study design is unclear from the abstract, and specific friendship practices or differences are not detailed.

Autistic people have different preferences for friendship than non-autistic people. The aims of the current project were to determine how autistic people prefer to behave in their friendships and how this compares to the friendship practices reported by non-autistic participants. Autistic (n = 102) and non-autistic (n = 107) young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years completed an online survey comprised of selected questions from the Friendship Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression and multivariate general linear modeling were used to analyze and compare the responses across the groups.

Results identified differences in the preferred friendship practices between the participant groups, which may further confirm the Double Empathy Theory and provide a context for understanding the friendship normative practices of autistic people.