Physical and Mental Well-Being of Women in Neurodiverse Relationships : A Comparative Study

Abstract BackgroundThere are very few studies which look into the ways in which autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts romantic relationships. The existent sources of information indicate that women in neurodiverse relationships experience extreme emotional deprivation and suffer from severe harm to their physical and mental well-being. The aim of the present study was to conduct empirical research into the question of whether a relationship between a neurologically typical woman and a man with high-functioning autism is significantly different from a neurologically typical relationship and what effects relating with someone with autism may have on the physical and mental state as well as sense of well-being of neurologically typical women. MethodsThe research population included 648 women in three groups: 228 women whose partners were formally diagnosed on the autism spectrum; 203 women who suspected their partners to be on the autism spectrum; 217 women in the control group, with neurotypical partners, who were neither diagnosed nor was there any suspicion of autism. Data collection was performed through online self-report questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS ver. 24.ResultsFindings showed significantly higher rates of psychological and physical abuse reported by women in neurodiverse relationships (study groups), in comparison to women in neurologically typical relationships (control group). Women in the study groups reported significantly lower perceived physical health, more somatic symptoms and higher somatic symptom severity, as well as significantly higher levels of depression, higher depressive symptom severity and significantly lower levels of subjective well-being than women in the control group. There was no significant difference between women whose partners have been formally diagnosed with autism and for women who suspect their partners to be on the autism spectrum. LimitationsThe main limitations of the study were reliance on self-report instruments, the use of convenience sampling and the impossibility of pointing towards causation.ConclusionsThe present study with its preliminary findings enriches the current literature, which is lacking. These findings help to better understand the condition of women in neurodiverse relationship and support the need to provide better therapy and health services for women and couples in neurodiverse relationships.