Healthy relationships depend on communication, respect, and consent. Most people learn many of the "rules" of dating by watching others, picking up on social cues, and gaining experience over time. For many autistic people, however, these unwritten rules are much harder to recognize.
Just like anyone else, autistic people have many different feelings about love, relationships, and sex. Some autistic people are interested in dating and romantic relationships, while others are not. Some enjoy sexual relationships, and others do not. There is no one "right" way to experience sexuality.
Occupational therapy helps people of all ages learn or improve the skills they need for everyday life. It focuses on helping people take part in activities that are important and meaningful to them. These activities can include: Activities of daily living (eating, dressing, etc.), Caregiver and family support / training, Fall prevention, home safety, and accessibility, Memory, concentration, and executive function techniques, Routine establishment, and Use of adaptive equipment.
Transitional skills are skills that help autistic individuals move into adulthood and become more independent. Daily living skills are an important part of a successful transition to adulthood. These skills include getting dressed, taking care of personal hygiene, and preparing food.
Many people believe that autism was first introduced to the medical community in 1943. However, more recent discoveries indicate that autism may have been described in medical literature as early as 1925. Since then, research on autism has greatly expanded. Several key figures in the history of autism have contributed to our understanding of the condition today. These historical figures include Dr. Leo Kanner, Dr. Hans Asperger, and Dr. Grunya Sukhareva.