Abstract
This paper explores the complexities, issues, and challenges of neurologically mixed romantic relationships; specifically focusing on relationships in which one partner is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Using a narrative approach to data drawn from online discussion boards, blogs, autobiographies, and research articles, the findings are presented in the form of a narrative reconstruction. Reconstructing data into a fictional, non-traceable format is a fruitful method of attending to the ethical and privacy issues inherent in online research. Starting with a discussion of autism and Asperger’s communication and traits, identity politics, and online community building, this article articulates some of the ways that neurological differences result in real differences in emotional needs, sensory perceptions, and ways of thinking and communicating in romantic relationships.
Highlights
This paper explores the complexities, issues, and challenges of neurologically mixed romantic relationships; focusing on relationships in which one partner is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome
The application of Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT) in these relational contexts suggests that it may be a useful theory through which to explore some of the issues that arise in Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)/NT romantic relationships
Common types of narrative inquiry include the analysis of stories told by research participants about their lives and experiences; the analysis of narratives that participants construct after engaging with narrative material presented or requested by the researcher; and the interpretive accounts developed by the researcher based on field notes, interviews, archival data, historic accounts, autobiographies, photographs, etc
Summary
This paper explores the complexities, issues, and challenges of neurologically mixed romantic relationships; focusing on relationships in which one partner is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Starting with a discussion of autism and Asperger’s communication and traits, identity politics, and online community building, this article articulates some of the ways that neurological differences result in real differences in emotional needs, sensory perceptions, and ways of thinking and communicating in romantic relationships. I set out to explore the unique issues, challenges, and characteristics of AS/NT couples
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