Recent research has focused on the degree to which Autistic people can benefit from socializing with other Autistic people. Autistic participants in several studies, have said that they feel increased comfort, ease, and competence when interacting with other Autistic people as compared to neurotypical people (e.g., Crompton et al., 2020).

These findings may be explained by the double empathy problem, which describes a two-way barrier to communication and understanding between Autistic and neurotypical people. It is well-known that Autistic people struggle to understand the intent, body language, facial expressions, gestures, and communication styles of neurotypical people. Research is increasingly emphasizing, however, that this lack of understanding goes both ways. Just as Autistic people struggle to understand neurotypicals and often misinterpret them, neurotypicals also struggle to understand Autistic people, and frequently believe the worst of them (Milton, 2012).

A study of first impressions found, for example, that neurotypical people tend to react negatively to Autistic people, rating them as awkward or lacking in empathy (Alkhadi et al., 2021), and may be less willing to interact with them (Sasson et al., 2017). When Autistic people socialize with other Autistic people, this empathy barrier is not present, and connection tends to flow more naturally. According to the study by Crompton and colleagues, such interactions are described by Autistic adults and young people as:
Less exhausting.
Less stressful than socializing with neurotypical people, who are “harder to read” and more easily offended.
Simpler.
Familiar in terms of conversational style / communication patterns.
Easier to understand- “I have a better idea of what (other Autistic) people mean.”

My child's best friend/life partner is (we believe) also autistic. She's not formally diagnosed.

They share similar interests and can literally spend time on their interest all day, for days on end. They work very well together and deeply understand each other's needs, thoughts and feelings. Quite an amazing relationship to watch.

I agree as it can help them understand their self and help them realise that they are not alone, obviously they can find connections difficult sometimes but as long as adults help them understand and except each other’s differences this can help them go forward in life as a confident happy healthy adult xx

It could be the familiar and understanding, that connects them.

Yes! My son's closest friend (who is autistic) has a sister who is autistic as well. Fascinating, right?