Autism, adulthood … and love
by Patricia
Autism, adulthood, and love. Those are three words I rarely hear spoken together in my work providing service and support to individuals with autism. So it was great to read a story called They’re Autistic — and They’re in Love in this month’s Glamour Magazine. The article shows how two young adults can work together to compensate for their challenges, celebrate their differences and emerge into a high quality life — including a loving relationship, employment and living arrangements of their choosing.
Contrary to stereotype — the Rain Man-esque loner who’d rather count toothpicks than make friends — adult autistics often know what they’re missing out on and hope to find love, like anyone else. Since hanging in a crowded bar or going on a blind date can be terrifying, many connect through social-networking websites. Still, successful relationships aren’t very common, especially relationships in which both partners have autism.
Lindsey and Dave have experienced their fair share of heartache: at school, among so-called friends, in their search for partners. Yet both have also summoned the courage to take a risk, perhaps the biggest risk of their lives, for each other. Theirs is a still-unfolding tale — an unconventional story about unconditional love.
Autism is a lifelong disability. When a person is given proper supports, though, autism does not have to diminish a person’s capacity to live, learn, work and … love.