The Effects of a Romantic Relationship Treatment Option for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Adults with mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face challenges in romantic relationships. Healthy romantic relationships yield physical and mental health benefits important to improved quality of life, yet many adults with ASD do not experience successful romantic relationships precluding them from possible benefits. This is the first study that explores the effects of group counseling, using the protocol Relationship Enhancement^®, for 38 adult ASD participants in treatment as usual and a modified condition. Social skills, empathy, and social support were measured pre- and posttreatment. Results indicate improvements in social skills and empathy in both treatment conditions.

• romantic relationships
• autism spectrum disorder
• adults
• social skills
• empathy
• Relationship Enhancement^®

Notes

Declaration of Conflicting Interests The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/orPUBLICation of this article.

Funding The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/orPUBLICation of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexandra Cunningham

Alexandra Cunningham is an assistant professor in the clinical mental health counseling program at Lynn University. She is a licensed mental health counselor interested and engaged in the research and treatment of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders and other social challenges.

Len Sperry

Len Sperry is professor and director of clinical training in the clinical mental health counseling program at Florida Atlantic University.

Michael P. Brady

Michael P. Brady is professor and chair of the Department of Exceptional Student Education at Florida Atlantic University and is active in developing teacher education programs for students with severe disabilities. His research interests include designing instructional and prompting systems for students, increasing social interactions among people with and without disabilities, and promoting supported college and employment practices for adults with developmental disabilities.

Paul R. Peluso

Paul R. Peluso is department chair and professor of clinical mental health counseling at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Peluso is a licensed mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist. In addition, he currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, as well as acts as President of the International Association for Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Rachel E. Pauletti

Rachel E. Pauletti is an assistant professor of psychology at Lynn University. She earned her doctorate from Florida Atlantic University, specializing in social development during middle childhood. Her research interests include gender identity, the self-concept, and target-specific aggression.