‘It has been totally positive’: the couples brought together by an autism diagnosis

When one partner in a relationship learns they are autistic, it can explain years of frustration and confusion. And, for many, the knowledge makes their bond stronger than everWhen their children were young, Karen and David took them to a noisy restaurant. Their two-year-old daughter was being loud and excitable, as toddlers tend to be, and David suddenly got up and walked out. There were many incidents like that during their first 12 years of marriage, which would often leave David feeling frustrated, and Karen sad, lonely and confused.Then, when their son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – the term now widely used for all autism diagnoses, including Asperger syndrome – it became clear that David had the condition, too. Eventually, he had a formal diagnosis. Their marriage is much happier. “I am now much better equipped to understand why I may find neurotypical relationships so confusing,” says David, “and it has been the foundation of improving my relationship with Karen.”Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Relationships Autism Psychology Life and style Society Source Type: news