Many social norms, macro or micro, can make it seem like the ideal — or even only! — time to start having dating experiences is in high school. You may get the message that doing it any other time, even just waiting until you’re in college, puts you at some kind of disadvantage. To go against that grain may inspire some social judgement of you and, at least in my case, leave you wondering if you’re just fulfilling a harmful stereotype about what autistic people are capable and incapable of doing. Even if it’s impossible to remember amidst the din of outside messaging world, there is no one right time for dating. That’s as true for neurodivergent folks, including those of us on the autism spectrum, as it is for neurotypical members of the world.
dating
Articles and Advice in this area:
- Lisa Laman
If you’re like me, there are lots of questions that race through your mind when you prepare to go out on a date. Do I look polished enough? Am I going to click with this person? Did we pick the right venue to go out to? And then there’s the one question always gnawing at the back of my skull about my autism: can I be myself?
- Melissa Meszaros
The author of the new book Heavy Metal Heartbreak shares some of how dating went while recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and has a little advice.
- Haley Moss
In my experience, disclosure is an ongoing conversation and there is no single “correct” way to do it, but there are ways our partners can be stronger allies.
- Lisa Laman
Suddenly, a person you’ve been regularly communicating with is M.I.A.
- Lisa Laman
Human beings are not on a strict timetable to do all the same things at the same time. This is just as true of dating like anything else.
- Adam England
If you’re a bisexual guy and you haven’t been with other guys yet, the idea might seem a little daunting, for a number of reasons. The reality doesn’t have to be so tricky, however, despite the worries you might have.
- Lisa Laman
Two smart, insightful and autistic people who like talking about relationships walk into an interview…
- Daniel Hall
Dating apps are part and parcel of modern life. Those marketed to the LGBTQ+ community are particularly handy if you don’t have a conventional way to meet others with whom you identify. But I feel like spending so much time using apps twisted my perception of what a whole relationship should look like.
- Adam England
Even when you’re with a supportive partner, coming out as a bisexual guy to a girlfriend or another kind of woman partner isn’t always easy and might feel awfully intimidating. Adam England has some support, help and solidarity to spare.