Autism as a difference or a disorder? Exploring the views of individuals who use peer-led online support groups for autistic partners.

This study looked at people who thought their romantic partners might be autistic and joined online support groups. Researchers interviewed 162 people and found they had different views - some saw autism as just a difference, others as a disorder. How they viewed autism affected how they felt about their relationship. Many people thought their partner was autistic even though the partner had never been diagnosed or didn't think they were autistic themselves.

This qualitative study explored how 162 non-autistic individuals in relationships with people they believed to be autistic viewed autism through their participation in peer-led online support groups. The research found that participants held diverse perspectives on autism, viewing it either as a difference or a disorder. Importantly, these viewpoints influenced how they perceived themselves, their partners, and their relationships. A concerning finding was that many dissatisfied participants believed their partners were autistic without formal diagnosis or self-identification.

The study highlights potential misapplication of autism labels based on negative stereotypes and calls for further research into how the general public uses autism terminology in relationship contexts.

Clinicians should be aware that autism labels may be misapplied in relationship contexts based on stereotypes. Proper assessment protocols are crucial. Education about autism as neurodiversity versus pathology may benefit couples counseling approaches.

Single qualitative study with potential selection bias from online support group participants. No verification of actual autism status in partners. Limited generalizability due to focus on dissatisfied relationship participants seeking support.

Individuals who use peer-led online support groups for partners of autistics describe diverse views of autism, with some describing autism as a difference and others describing it as a disorder. I conducted online interviews with 162 non-autistics who believed they were in relationships with autistics and who participated in online support groups on social media. I analyzed their responses by constantly comparing each interview to previous interviews to develop a theory about their social experiences. As many as one-third of autistics participate in romantic relationships, and many of their partners seek support through groups on social media.

Few studies explore what it is like to be a non-autistic person who is in a relationship with an autistic person. The way that participants viewed autism influenced the way that they viewed themselves, their partners, and their relationships. Many participants who were dissatisfied in their relationships shared that they believed their partners were autistic, but their partners had never been formally evaluated and did not self-identify as autistic. Future research should explore ways that autism labels are (mis)applied by the general public based on negative stereotypes about autism.