A key difference between AS and autism: people with AS **want** relationships. They desire human contact — unlike classic autism where objects often take priority over people. But the core AS deficits (understanding others, communication, nonverbal cues) make relationships profoundly difficult. **The "prickly partner":** Sensory integration problems make physical closeness uncomfortable. Hypersensitivity to criticism and difficulty ever accepting being wrong, combined with self-esteem issues, creates a partner who is easily hurt and hard to reassure. **Les and Mr. Geddes:** Les thought of Mr. Geddes as his friend because Mr. Geddes found him volunteer work. "It was very important to Les to have a friend." This illustrates both the hunger for connection and the sometimes-naive understanding of what friendship means. For people with AS, relationships require more effort because of how their brains function. Understanding this — and not expecting relationships to come naturally — is the first step. **Source:** Lovett, *Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome*, Ch 8 (pp199-208) See also: [[AS-NT Cross-Cultural Communication]], [[Ken and Janet Case]]