Only 5 percent have ever been married. The findings suggest that many middle-aged adults with autism have little independence. The work echoes a study from last year that found that about half of adults with autism live with a family member.

How does autism affect marriage?

The sensory overload people with autism often experience also can factor into couples conflicts. A noisy party and the effort it takes to make conversation, for example, can make the individual with autism anxious and less attentive to their partner.

Can an autistic person have a relationship?

Autistic people often have a desire for intimacy and companionship. However, difficulties in interacting so- cially are a key feature of autism, which makes finding a partner and making a relationship work more diffi- cult. But many autistic people do have successful relationships.