Dear Mary: I’m a 25-year-old autistic man – how do I meet and have a relationship with a woman?

"I am a 25-year-old autistic man from Dublin. I haven’t had a girlfriend since the age of 12." Graphic: Getty

Mary O'Conor

I am a 25-year-old autistic man from Dublin. I haven’t had a girlfriend since the age of 12. I now want to be able to get into a relationship with a woman. However, after work and at the weekends I am tired and not bothered to go out to nightclubs or pubs, partly due as well to the sensitivity of my autism spectrum disorder. I am going to try to get more exercise over the coming months to overcome this tiredness.

I fell into a bad way some years ago when I stole from a shop and committed public order offences. However, these were all dismissed in court even though I did face a probation assessment. I fear a woman may ask about my past and I would have to bring these things up. Although in other ways I have been dealt a fair hand in life, but with regard to relationships and sex, I am completely isolated from them. Could you please advise?