The social dynamics of adulthood present unique obstacles for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Adults with ASD desire romantic relationships but have difficulty initiating and achieving these relationships (Ousley & Mesibov, 1991; Stokes, Newton, & Kaur, 2007). The processes of romantic attraction and relationship initiation for adults with ASD are currently unknown. To understand the processes associated with initial romantic attraction in adults with ASD, a speed-dating study was conducted with adults with ASD. Three speed-dating events were held, incorporating a total of 24 participants (18 male, 6 female), ranging from 18-30 years old. Female participants were repeated across events. Participants went on 5-6 `dates' each lasting 5-minutes, with members of the opposite gender. After each date, participants rated their initial romantic attraction towards each partner. Follow-up data was collected 1-month after each event. Results from Social Relations Model (SRM) analyses suggest that initial attraction was a function of the actor, partner, and the unique relationship between the couple, with greatest factor, for men, being the actor and the greatest factor, for women, being the unique relationship between the couple. Findings suggest that initial romantic attraction for adults with ASD was positively associated with perceived similarity, ideal partner preferences, and dyadic reciprocity, negatively associated with generalized reciprocity, and not associated with actual similarity. Further, similar to speed-dating studies with typical adults, participants matched from speed-dating events led to electronic communication between couples, and dates for approximately one third of matches.

Only a handful of studies have looked at the lived experiences of adults with autism (Muller, Schuler, & Yates, 2008). To date, no studies have looked at the romantic experiences of adults with autism. This study describes the relationship experiences of young adults with autism. Seven young adults with autism were interviewed about their romantic experiences. The participants were asked questions about their experiences from whom they dated, to how they met, to how they felt about their relationships. The seven transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis (Aronson, 1994). The transcripts revealed six major themes and six minor themes. The six major themes included participants dating partners with developmental disabilities, indiscriminate partner selection, a slow getting to know each other process, fast moving emotional relationships, limited sexual experiences, and unclear beginnings and endings of relationships. Recommendations are made for future research in the field of romantic relationships and adults with autism.