^ Depression is very common in people on the spectrum; I suffer with it very badly from time to time. It is incredibly hard when you are trying to function in a society that values a mindset that is completely alien to your own. I'm in my 30s and female, so my general experiences will differ to yours but I understand your predicament.

I've never had a boyfriend either and it didn't really bother me when I was in my 20s, but once I hit 30 it worried me. I wish that I'd made more of an effort to socialise when I was much younger instead of shutting myself away, because your youth is such an important time regarding your emotional development. You're only 22; that's so young, you have a lot of time to get your life together.

Do you have any friends or relatives you could talk to? Do you go to college? I know you are an introvert but are there any autism groups you could join? They may be beneficial to you. I live in a small town in the UK and there are no such groups where I live unfortunately, or I'd be happy to give them a go.

Have you heard of Wrong planet? It's a forum for autistic people and you might think about joining. There are lots of young men your age on there, some of whom have girlfriends and social lives, and I think they would be better qualified to give you advice.