Online Dating, on the Autism Spectrum

Dating poses the same basic challenge for everyone: trusting someone else.

Online dating can be an easier route for those who have trouble initiating conversation.

He logs onto the dating site OkCupid and begins answering some questions.
“What are you looking for?” the site asks.
“Someone to go out with,” he says to himself as he types each letter with undivided concentration.
“How do you feel about falling in love?”
“I like to just let it happen.”

For people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, online dating is an alternative to picking up people at bars or parties and risking potential in-person rejection.

“I’m researching girls,” he says, scrolling through rows and rows of women. Finally, he sends a message to a girl who catches his eye.
“Hello, my name is Hussein.”
“How is life?”
All of Hussein’s messages say the same thing. While they are friendly, they show little to no personalization, a common pitfall when fishing for responses.
Hussein knows that because of his brutal honesty, he is often unable to process why anyone else would be dishonest. But building relationships online can be an important way for people on the spectrum to build up to in-person relationships by getting to know someone before anything progresses.

Online Dating, on the Autism Spectrum - Rula Al-Nasrawi - The Atlantic -

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Dating on the Autism Spectrum


"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."