Michael Montpetit

Before I came to KU, I earned my MA from Arizona State University studying how and why neurodiverse or autistic individuals enter into intimate/romantic relationships. Specifically, I studied how and why an autistic individual would enter this type of dyad and the courting strategies they implemented or employed. My current research focuses on how autistic individuals identify and understand relational escalation (becoming closer) and de-escalation (drifting apart) and the tactics they implemented to repair, protect and/or maintain the dyad. In addition to this, I study how this population of people recognize relational conflict, how it manifests, and how it mollified.  

My reason for choosing to study intimate/romantic relationships is twofold. First, I wish to know how an autistic individual can create and maintain a successful intimate/romantic relationship, so other neurodivergent people can learn to emulate these tactics. And second, relationships (all types) are fundamental to life regardless of sex, age, race, religious beliefs, or ability and is, also, an important component of identify formation. Therefore, understanding how an autistic individual enters into and navigates an intimate/romantic relationship can not only lead to a better understanding of who they are but foster a desire for self-actualization or reaching their true potential. My impetus for conducting this type of research is because I am on the spectrum myself and have struggled with this interpersonal concept.

Area of Specialization: Interpersonal Communication, Communication of Mental Illnesses, Communication of Health, Identity and Stigma Formation