Just like other teens, many teens on the autism spectrum hope for new friends, maybe even a romantic relationship. But this can be challenging for them. Unlike neurotypical teens, the reward centers in autistic teens’ brains don’t become increasingly responsive to strangers’ voices as they mature.

Just like other teens, many teens on the autism spectrum hope for new friends, maybe even a romantic relationship. But this can be challenging for them. Unlike neurotypical teens, the reward centers in autistic teens’ brains don’t become increasingly responsive to strangers’ voices as they mature.