I think lately it’s been nice to see more representation, however I wish there was better emphasis and explanation on why ASD individuals do or don’t do certain things.

For us with ASD, we immediately understand why certain behaviors are exhibited. We also understand why certain things are said, why people with ASD might get quiet in some situations, stimming, and more.

To others, it’s so easy to draw conclusions that the individual is stupid or has bad intentions, when the reality is polar opposite or more complex than that.

For example, with Love On The Spectrum, ASD individuals on a date will appear to:

• Suddenly lose interest
• Not take any initiative
• Unashamedly allow themselves to get distracted
• Say things that seem very inconsiderate

Someone that doesn’t understand ASD might assume the person with ASD is a bad, rude, inconsiderate jerk, maybe intentionally trying to act this way toward the other person. However, someone that does understand will immediately know that the ASD individual has:

1. Gone through an observations checklist and considered all factors related to a potential relationship with this person
2. Figured out exactly what they do and don’t like about this person’s interests and behaviors
3. Methodically determined that the person they are dating will not be a good fit for them

Once someone with ASD has already figured that out, it’s a waste of time, energy, and emotions (as well as a waste of the other person’s) to continue talking with them, and it’s time to move on. It’s a completely different, highly-practical mindset that—although it doesn’t always consider how the other person feels—is well-meaning and has no bad intentions towards the other person.