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Social Relationships and Asperger's Syndrome

A Qualitative Analysis of First-Hand Accounts

Tor Ole Meldal

University of Wales, Bangor, UK

First-hand accounts of five people diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome who spoke about social relationships were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Four central themes were identified. These were an awareness of the difficulties in communication and comprehension, descriptions of attempts to `fit in' by trying to role-play at being non-autistic, the awareness of other people with Asperger's as a supportive community, and an awareness of the benefits of the Internet as a means to develop and maintain social relationships. Overall the analysis showed a high degree of awareness and insight into individual difficulties with social relationships, and highlighted other people with Asperger's as a source of friendship and support.

Key Words: Asperger's syndrome • communication • first-hand accounts • social relationships

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 5, No. 1, 35-41 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/146900470100500104


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