When it comes to talking about autism, we often focus on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and root cause rather than how it can affect one's personal life. That includes forming relationships.
In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, director Matt Fuller and producer Carolina Groppa of new documentary film "Autism in Love" joined HuffPost Live host Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani to discuss how adults on the autism spectrum navigate dating, relationships and love.
"I think when it comes to intimate relationships, one of the hallmarks of being successful in that realm is self-expression and self-awareness," Fuller said. "In my experience, a lot of adults with autism struggle to truly express their deepest feelings, and that's something that's necessitated in a really intimate relationship. The interesting thing, though, is that neurotypical people alike can relate to this struggle. Even though I don't have autism, it's still really difficult for me to be fully candid and vulnerable to the ones that are closest to me."
Groppa further explained that while the adults in the film have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, such information isn't obvious in their surprisingly commonplace experiences on camera.
"You watch the film and you forget that the people you are watching have autism," she said. "There is really no separation between a neurotypical person and the people on screen, because the struggles that they have, we all have. And that's really the bottom line, the common thread between us all."
Watch the full HuffPost Live clip in above to hear more about "Autism In Love."
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