Complementing or Congruent? Desired Characteristics in a Friend and Romantic Partner in Autistic versus Typically Developing Male Adolescents.

This study looked at what autistic teenage boys want in friends and romantic partners compared to non-autistic boys. Both groups wanted similar things - they valued kind, trustworthy people more than popular or 'cool' ones. Autistic teens didn't want significantly different qualities in relationships than other teens, which challenges some assumptions about social preferences in autism.

This comparative study examined desired characteristics in friends and romantic partners among 38 male adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) versus typically developing (TD) peers aged 14-19 years. Participants rated their desire for nine characteristics in potential friends/partners and self-assessed seven personal characteristics. Both groups similarly valued intrinsic qualities (trustworthiness, niceness) over extrinsic traits (popularity, coolness) in relationships. Notably, no significant between-group differences emerged in desired characteristics, suggesting autistic adolescents seek similar relationship qualities as their neurotypical peers.

However, some differences were observed in how self-perception aligned with desired partner characteristics, indicating potentially different matching patterns between groups.

Results suggest relationship counseling and social skills programs should focus on universal relationship values rather than autism-specific approaches. However, attention to self-perception accuracy may benefit some autistic adolescents in developing realistic relationship expectations.

Small sample size (38 participants) limits generalizability. Male-only sample excludes female experiences. Cross-sectional design prevents understanding of developmental changes. Limited detail on ASD diagnostic criteria and severity levels.

Ideal friend and romantic partner characteristics related to self-perceived characteristics have been investigated in typically developing (TD) individuals, but not in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Considering the autistic symptoms and challenges, investigating these concepts in autistic individuals is relevant. Given the lack of consensus, identity-first ("autistic person") and person-first ("person with autism") language are mixed throughout, to cover all preferences. This study explored (1) the association between self-perceived characteristics and desires in a friend/romantic partner, as well as (2) compare two groups (ASD and TD) in their desires for a friend/romantic partner.

Two matched groups (ASD and TD) of 38 male adolescents (age 14-19 years) reported on the desire for nine characteristics (i.e., funny, popular, nice, cool, smart, trustworthy, good looking, similar interests, and being rich) in a friend/partner, and to what extent they felt they themselves possessed seven characteristics (i.e., funny, popular, nice, cool, smart, trustworthy, and good looking). Results showed both groups sought a friend and partner similar to themselves on intrinsic characteristics (e.g., trustworthiness), but less similar on extrinsic and social status characteristics (e.g., being less cool and popular). Particularly intrinsic characteristics, more than extrinsic and social status characteristics, were valued in both partners and friends, regardless of group. No significant differences were found between groups concerning to what extent characteristics were desired.

Overall, adolescents with ASD desire similar characteristics as TD adolescents in their potential romantic partners and friends. There is some indication that the match between self-perception and desired characteristics is different.