"You could say that both are sending signals but on different frequencies"

Being in a relationship where the partner has Asperger's syndrome makes you indirectly affected by their disability as it affects not only the disabled but also the partner. The partner may be faced with a lack of understanding from their partner with Asperger's syndrome and from its surroundings, where the syndrome including causes, limits ability in social interaction and communication. The study is a qualitative study based on six asynchronous interviews conducted via email with partners who are in a relationship with a partner who has Asperger's syndrome. The aim of the study was to increase understanding and to highlight partners experience to be in a relationship where the other partner has Asperger's syndrome and how outside support from the environment is perceived. Results of the study showed that all six partners felt that everyday life was structured around the partner with Asperger's syndrome. There was a perceived feeling of loneliness because of the partner with Asperger's syndrome not caring about the partner and of being the one taking the greatest responsibility in everyday life for it to work. There was a feeling of stress, anxiety, lost confidence and frustration but there was also a strong desire and commitment to their partner with Asperger's syndrome. There was a strong love for the partner with Asperger's syndrome and a willingness to get the couple relationship to work. The results show that partners need and want support from the environment. It is important that they receive the support they need. The type of support needed varies but the important thing is that it is flexible, tailored and personalized for the couple or the individual partner's needs. The results indicate that there is a benefit for the couple relationship when the partner with Asperger's syndrome has a diagnosis. Both parties can thus get a better understanding of why certain things are the way they are and then work from there