Relationships are all about communication: expressing your feelings, understanding and listening to your partner, setting boundaries, and communicating your needs. Now imagine that one of the partners sees the world through a lens that makes all of this more challenging.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) express their affection and navigate relationships differently. This varies even from person to person, so in fact it is hard to characterize it in a general way. However, usually indirect communication is one of the biggest challenges. People with ASD may find it difficult to interpret body language, shifts of tone, or subtle social cues. This makes it especially hard for them to see intentions of another person and recognize unsafe behavior unless it is communicated directly. 

As a result, people with ASD are at higher risk of becoming involved in unhealthy relationships. Research suggests that it is particularly relevant for young women, as they are frequently targeted by sexual harassment and other forms of abuse.

That is why it is very important to openly talk about these risks with younger adults with ASD. Our project is developing a training model and educational resources specifically designed for autistic youth to help them recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships and protect themselves.

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