The hidden code makes it feel like there is one size fits all solution to being in a relationship both as a high functioning autistic individual and as a neurotypical person.

But just to measure expectations immediately, there is no one size fits all solution.

Just as there is no one size fits all solution for neurotypical based relationships.

Every human being has their own needs.

However, there are certain core tendencies which are transferable in romantic relationships between neurotypical individuals and those with high functioning autism.

These are the broad strokes of the symptom set.

So things such as emotional processing delays, sensory sensitivities, unique communication styles that often rely on directness over subtext and subtlety.

Understanding these patterns doesn’t necessarily solve everything, because there still needs to be an appropriate relational response.

An empathetic understanding backed up by a compassionate response which ultimately leads to a deeper connection.

When both partners recognise that love is subjective and are able to let go of preconceived notions and expectations, the “hidden code” becomes less mysterious and instead reveals itself as a different dialect of intimacy.

Love exists in many forms.

But it must be recognised as such in order to be received.

How does your love speak?

Dating with High-Functioning Autism: A Guide for Both Partners

Dating where either one or more partners has high functioning autism might be a different experience from the neurotypical norm.

But different doesn’t mean bad or wrong.

It means connections and intimacy won’t follow typical patterns. But the rewards for investing are just as great…

Research shows that 73% of autistic adults actively seek out romantic partnerships, but traditional approaches can often see them faltering and not being able to make long-term and sustainable connections.

In truth, it’s best to never rely too heavily on expectations.

But when it comes to neurodivergent relationships, it definitely helps to be more open minded than not.

The nature of autistic honesty means that playing any game other than authentically connecting is going to be either called out or undermined fairly quickly.

That doesn’t mean, it’s all plain sailing, or that the autistic partner will necessarily be the dominant partner – the one which initiates more emotionally in the relationship.

There will definitely be moments of potential miscommunication.

Group social communication can often trip up high-functioning autistic individuals.

But this can be worked through, and can be seen as part of the growth of the relationship.

Partners who adapt report bonds that go deeper—conversations stripped of pretence, trust built on predictability.

You’ll need patience to navigate the choppier moments.

A willingness to question everything society says about romance.

But the rewards are great.

If you’re dating someone with autism of any description, it can be a really useful exercise to understand ASD traits and they shape emotional processing.

Then build strategies that work with neurodivergence, not against it.

Dating Someone with Autism: Understanding the Journey

Love Beyond Scripts:

If you’re dating a high-functioning autistic individual, it’s important to anchor in the understanding that love speaks differently, here. This is true, not just of autism, but of the neurodivergent spectrum in general. This dialect of love thrives well outside societal expectations.

Practical Care in Action:

High functioning autistic individuals are known for being very practical and pragmatic in their love languages. This might include remembering small preferences, supporting in maintaining routines of the partner which have been observed and more. These acts are not to be confused with overly coddling, but represent a deep emotional investment.

Direct Communication Advantage:

Communication tends to be more direct and literal, which can feel refreshingly honest for some people who may have been rooted in hyper-vigilance in past relationships – constantly second-guessing their partner. This approach fosters trust when both parties adapt to neurodivergent symptoms influencing communication styles.

Emotional Processing Realities:

There might sometimes be the perception of emotional detachment. But in reality, this can often be attributed to the way an autistic person processes emotions. For some, that might necessitate periods of quiet in order to properly articulate feelings. Although this isn’t an absolute in autism.

Patience as Foundation:

There is going to be a need for patience. But don’t take this to mean any relationship with an autistic individual is going to be an uphill struggle. You can think of it as finding a different pace or rhythm than what you’ve experienced relationally. A new song to dance to…

Note: This guide draws from current research and lived experiences of autistic individuals in romantic relationships. Each person’s experience may vary, and individual preferences should always be respected.

Is it hard to date someone with high-functioning autism?

Being in any kind of romantic relationship with a high functioning autistic individual is only ever as hard as you want to believe it is… It’s all about how we perceive the relationship. In truth, it’s not hard. It’s simply another unique relationship with another human being.

The most fulfilling relationships emerge when partners embrace each other’s unique ways of communicating. For neurotypical partners, learning to understand and appreciate autistic communication styles often leads to stronger, more satisfying connections.

And this is really no different from any other relationship. We all have our own quirks, our own peculiarities, our own dreams. And the needs that make them tangible.

This is simply the way of conscious relating. Being present.

So what does being more present look like within the context of the relationship?

Some common adjustments/accommodations include:

• Establishing clear routines and expectations
• Using explicit verbal communication rather than assuming understanding
• Respecting needs for alone time and sensory breaks
• Understanding that emotional processing may require more time

Taking a more active role in supporting your autistic partner and embracing their neurodivergent traits as differences rather than deficits leads to stronger bonds.

How do autistic people flirt?

High functioning autistic, individuals approach flirting in the way they know how. And this will likely differ from traditional social scripts. The flirting style of autistic individuals will largely be a representation of their character.

It will be coded in the way they give their time and offer themselves.

So inevitably, this will look different for each person.

Common flirting patterns include:

• Sharing detailed information about special interests
• Making direct statements of attraction or interest
• Offering practical help or solving problems
• Remembering specific details about the person’s preferences
• Maintaining consistent contact through preferred communication channels

Rather than using traditional flirting techniques like playful banter or subtle body language, autistic individuals might express interest by:

• Initiating in-depth conversations about shared interests
• Being exceptionally reliable and consistent in their interactions
• Showing attention through factual observations about the person
• Creating structured opportunities for spending time together
• Demonstrating care through practical actions

Understanding these differences can help potential partners recognise genuine romantic interest that might otherwise be missed in traditional dating contexts.

Dating as a High-Functioning Autistic Man vs Woman: Key Differences

Whilst many of the core autistic tendencies do remain consistent across the gender divide, societal expectations, and other gender normative conditionings can contribute to different dating experiences for autistic men and women.

For example, it’s been observed that autistic women often engage in more masking behaviours during early dating phases compared to autistic men.

This can be attributed in part to the unique societal pressures placed on women to show up in a certain way in order to be a desirable partner.

This gender-based difference in masking behaviour can impact how relationships develop and evolve for autistic individuals of different genders.

Dating as a Woman with High-Functioning Autism

High functioning autistic women can often find themselves stuck in a bit of a limbo state.

Balancing contradictory social demands.

On the one hand, women are expected to be emotionally expressive and empathetic. But then, they are also asked to be just as socially subtle in the cues they give.

The masking behaviours that women develop in order to meet these expectations can in some way, serve a purpose.

But ultimately, if these social scripts are the only primary outlet for expression, over time, it can lead to burnout and autistic shutdowns in any kind of relationship.

In autistic high functioning autistic women, romantic interest might be expressed through:

• Intellectual bonding over shared interests
• Consistent, reliable communication patterns
• Creative expressions (writing, art) rather than verbal declarations

Dating as a High-Functioning Autistic Man

For high functioning autistic men, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome in terms of connection is the mislabeling of them as being emotionally void.

Emotional intelligence is cited as one of the more desirable attributes, especially on dating apps. This means if women are intentionally seeking this, there might be a greater capacity for judgement with it being expressed as such a core need.

However, on the contrary, autistic men are known to display deep levels of devotion and loyalty, despite the perceived emotional shortcomings.

High functioning autistic men have been shown to be more likely to:

• Use direct communication styles misinterpreted as bluntness
• Prioritise shared activities over traditional dating rituals
• Struggle with implied romantic expectations (e.g., initiating physical contact)

Autism and Romantic Relationships: Communication Keys

Here’s the perception flip again…

Something is only hard if you believe it’s hard. And communication is one of those relational pieces that can be framed as being difficult by so many – neurotypical or neurodivergent.

But that sense of frustration often arises from not knowing how our partners are signalling their intent, which leads to the cognitive loop of, ‘what are they thinking?’

That doesn’t mean that neurodiverse relationships are about endlessly decoding hidden messages. Communication – in all relationships – is about building many small bridges of trust.

By receiving what’s actually being expressed, and responding in kind.

For high-functioning autistic individuals, clarity isn’t just preferred; it’s essential.

Explicitly is the key here. Prioritise clear intent over fluffy statements.

Phrases like “I enjoy our time together—let’s meet again Friday at 7”  work so much better instead of vague hints and subtext that will never be picked on.

Clarity cuts through the white noise uncertainty.

Structured check-ins can replace guessing games.

Written texts clarify plans that spoken words might muddy the waters.

Scheduled talks about needs—“I need quiet evenings to recharge” —prevent meltdowns.

These adjustments aren’t concessions.

They’re acts of care.

Emotionally, direct communication fosters safety.

Autistic partners often fear missteps—a misplaced joke, a misunderstood tone.

Clear expectations ease this anxiety.

Partners often report relief in knowing intentions aren’t shrouded in ambiguity.

“When they say ‘I love you,’ they mean it exactly,” one neurotypical partner shared.

How Can You Tell If a High-Functioning Autistic Person Has Romantic Feelings?

Recognising romantic interest in high functioning autistic individuals simply requires a different attunement to the language of love.

And in many cases, attraction often manifests in neurodiverse relationships through consistent actions of problem-solving and practical support..

Key indicators include:

• Increased sharing of specialised knowledge or interests
• Meticulous attention to a partner’s stated preferences
• Reliable responsiveness via preferred communication channels
• Protective behaviours (e.g., solving practical problems)

For more insights, see our guide on dating someone with autism.

Do Autistics Like Kissing?

Sensory preferences vary quite significantly amongst high functioning autistic people.

While kissing might be one of the preferred ways of engaging in physical intimacy, for others, it might activate their hyper sensitivity and perhaps even contribute to nervous system dysregulation without properly preparing or priming the system for sensory input.

It’s best to engage in open dialogue about sensory thresholds, discussing touch preferences, pressure levels, and environmental adjustments (e.g., dry lips vs. wet).

Open dialogue about autism and sexual intimacy thresholds will help significantly in creating a strong bond where the autistic individual feels held and the neurotypical partner still feels like they can be spontaneous.

Are Autistic People Touchy Feely?

Physical affection preferences vary significantly among autistic individuals. While some enjoy deep-pressure touch (e.g., weighted blankets, firm hugs) for its calming effect, others avoid contact due to sensory sensitivities. Again, ask your partner about their needs, and they’ll likely be very upfront about it.

How Does an Autistic Person Show Romantic Interest?

Common expressions include:

• Creating detailed plans for shared activities
• Remembering obscure details about a partner
• Initiating conversations about niche interests
• Offering practical support (e.g., technical help)

How Do Autistic People Act in Romantic Relationships?

Autistic partners often demonstrate strong loyalty and reliability, with neurotypical partners frequently citing these as relationship strengths. While emotional expressions may differ, autistic individuals often exhibit consistent commitment, aligning with high-functioning autism traits like attention to detail and honesty.

The Various Languages of Love in Autism and Romantic Relationships

Autistic individuals frequently reinterpret traditional love languages:

• Words of Affirmation: Direct statements like “I value your company”
• Acts of Service: Solving technical problems or organising spaces
• Quality Time: Parallel engagement in shared interests

High-Functioning Autism and Intimacy

What Are the Intimacy Issues With Autism?

Common challenges stem from:

• Sensory overload during physical contact
• Difficulty interpreting implied emotional needs
• Anxiety about unspoken relationship “rules”, particularly in those with co-occurring ASD and ADHD