Dating.

I'm in my late 20s and have been curious about dating for quite a long time. I've wanted to try dating for ages, never have because of anxiety but since my dad got sick I realized if I leave it too late potentially my partner might not meet my parents, and if we had kids my kids might not know their grandparents and that's an upsetting thought and a worry but it's a realistic worry.

So with the above in mind I'm interested in dating and determined to give it a try in the next couple of months. I'm currently working at a preschool nursery, really fun job, the kids are great and the staff are all amazing and very supportive and understanding of my autism, even when I've unfortunately let them down and been unable to go in because my autism and anxiety were triggered. I couldn't wish to work in a better environment. The noise can be a bit much at times but when this happens I can go outside or in to the staff room. It's ideal for me and I love every second of it. I suffered a mental breakdown four years ago. At the time I never saw a future of myself where I would be well, happy and able to work and yet this hypothetical future is now a reality. Even now it feels like a dream.

Has anyone experience of dating and relationships with autism?

Would you say an autistic partner is best or do relationships with neurotypicals work out

And do you think it's worth me trying to do this? I've read so many accounts of dating for someone with autism and I know it's a bit of a lottery. I worry if I'm unsuccessful. I try not to overthink it though! 

I'm lucky the woman who employed me is helping me try to become independent and I've considered asking her thoughts on this too.

Parents
  • I have never tried dating seriously, although I always thought I would struggle to convey my needs and boundaries with someone who isn't autistic, purely because of how differently our brains work. It's almost like speaking a different language, and it's hard when the other person isn't seeing it from your perspective (but it comes down to me to verbalise it).

Reply
  • I have never tried dating seriously, although I always thought I would struggle to convey my needs and boundaries with someone who isn't autistic, purely because of how differently our brains work. It's almost like speaking a different language, and it's hard when the other person isn't seeing it from your perspective (but it comes down to me to verbalise it).

Children
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