Research

a) Well-being of partners of individuals with Asperger's syndrome: research findings Dr Lisa Abel & Dr Vicki Bitsika, Bond University
Summary of findings.

b) Participants required: relationship experiences of both partners within neurotypical – Asperger relationship dyads.    Research now closed.

c) Maternal autism and Asperger syndrome and adult psychosocial functioning. See details here.

d) Life Satisfaction of Neurotypical Women in Intimate Relationship with an Asperger's Syndrome Partner: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Jennifer S. Bostock Ling, Steven R. Cumming and Anita Bundy http://journals.cambridge.org/abstract_S1838095612000091

Some female NT partners experience a decline in mental and physical health, wellbeing and quality of life, which they attribute to the symptom expression of their partner’s AS. Feelings of loneliness, confusion, frustration, isolation and, at times, of ‘going insane’ are reported, as are disorders of mood (e.g., depression and anxiety), problems with sexual intimacy and sexual activity, and other medical complaints. Reports that the NT-AS intimate relationship is marred by the unwillingness or inability of their partner to engage in shared activities, to provide appropriate emotional support, to effectively communicate, to reciprocate, or to be spontaneous or flexible in their beliefs and behaviours and to learn from their mistakes, seem commonplace. These accounts also suggest that misunderstandings in communication are commonplace and empathy is often perceived by the NT partner as non-existent. Problematic social lives, as well as hardships resulting from financial mismanagement or their AS spouse’s inability to effectively engage in stable employment are also reported. P 96