Nearly half of adults with autism live with a family member and about one in five is unemployed, according to a new analysis1. Only 5 percent have ever been married. The findings suggest that many middle-aged adults with autism have little independence.

Is it hard for autistic people to have relationships?

Autistic people have a lot to offer Autistic people often have a desire for intimacy and companionship. However, difficulties in interacting so- cially are a key feature of autism, which makes finding a partner and making a relationship work more diffi- cult. But many autistic people do have successful relationships.

What percentage of autistic adults rely on parents?

Nearly half – 49 percent – of the adults with autism or Aspergers syndrome still lived with their parents.