Autism is less of a stigma these days, and many people are embracing their condition, adding their autism credentials unashamedly to their profile on dating apps. This sets up a scenario of two people meeting with very different ways of interacting in social situations with disastrous consequences. Both sides need to be prepared, otherwise it could just end up being awkward, with missed signals and lost opportunities.
One of the most frequent reactions when a date did not fly was we had nothing in common.
Missing social cues, overthinking, oversharing, and being unfiltered. Four core autistic traits that make dating non-autistic and/or non-autism-aware dating prospects exponentially harder for us. I’m a walking encyclopedia of dating dysfunction..
Dating on the autistic spectrum
In a surprising and somewhat controversial move, the French government has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting the romantic lives of autistic individuals. Dubbed “L’Amour Authentique,” the program will provide grants to autistic people for dates with other autistic individuals.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Love and Public Affairs, Jean-Paul Cœur, who described the initiative as a groundbreaking effort to promote inclusivity and social connection. “We recognize that everyone deserves a chance at love,” Cœur stated. “By providing these grants, we hope to create opportunities for autistic individuals to find companionship and romance in a supportive and understanding environment.”
Under the program, autistic individuals can apply for grants of up to €500 to cover the costs of dating activities, including meals at romantic restaurants, tickets to cultural events, and even mini-getaways to picturesque French countryside locales. The application process involves a simple online form, which includes questions about the applicant’s interests and preferred date activities.
The program has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters applaud the government’s progressive approach to addressing the social needs of autistic individuals. “This is a fantastic step forward,” said Sophie Leblanc, head of the French Association for Autism. “Autistic people often face unique challenges in social situations, and this initiative acknowledges and supports their right to have fulfilling relationships.”
However, critics argue that the program is patronizing and risks reducing complex social issues to a financial transaction. “While the intention may be good, it feels like the government is trying to play Cupid with taxpayers’ money,” commented Pierre Dubois, a columnist for *Le Sceptique*. “Love cannot be bought or bureaucratically managed.”
Some autistic individuals have expressed both excitement and skepticism about the initiative. “I appreciate the support, but I don’t want my dates to feel like a government project,” said Camille, an autistic artist from Lyon. “It would be nice to meet someone naturally, without feeling like it’s part of a social experiment.”
To address these concerns, the government has promised that participation in the program will be entirely voluntary and confidential. Additionally, they have partnered with autism advocacy groups to ensure that the initiative is implemented in a respectful and effective manner.
Social media reactions have been predictably varied, with hashtags like #LAmourAuthentique and #GrantingLove trending across platforms. Memes featuring “government-sponsored romance” have gone viral, with one particularly popular image showing a couple on a date with the Eiffel Tower in the background, captioned, “When the government ships you harder than your best friend.”
In response to the backlash, Minister Cœur has doubled down on the program’s potential benefits. “This is about giving autistic individuals the same opportunities that others take for granted,” he said in a recent interview. “We want to create a society where love and companionship are accessible to all, regardless of neurodiversity.”
As the debate continues, one thing is certain: France’s bold initiative has sparked a global conversation about love, inclusivity, and the role of government in personal lives. Whether “L’Amour Authentique” will lead to a surge of romantic success stories or become another well-intentioned but flawed policy remains to be seen. For now, autistic individuals across France have a new opportunity to explore the world of dating—with a little help from the government.
