While fans loved watching Love on the Spectrum‘s find romance with in season 3, some wondered if she was also diagnosed with autism. In Touch breaks down what Shelley has said on the subject.

“I am autistic and my life is not a tragedy,” Shelley proclaimed in an April 17, 2025, TikTok video after playing a clip of Health and Human Services Director . saying “autism destroys families.”

“Autism has definitely made my life harder, but it’s something that shouldn’t be told that we need to prevent,” she explained. “It’s something that we should accept and understand in society.”

Shelley added, “Autistic people are not broken. They just think differently.”

James has Asperger’s syndrome, part of the broader range of neurological disorders on the autism spectrum. He and Shelley were brought together by having autism, thanks to his starring on Love on the Spectrum.

In the same TikTok video, Shelley listed some very impressive accomplishments she did all on her own.

“I lived in Japan by myself for seven years. I got a scholarship for a Japanese University to study Japanese language and culture, and I moved there all by myself,” she explained.

“I lived there by myself. I cooked by myself. I did my taxes by myself. I got a job by myself, and I worked by myself,” Shelley continued.

She revealed that she now works as a senior advertising manager for a company “where I got the job by myself,” once again stressing her independence.

The autism spectrum disorder refers to a neurological and developmental disorder which affects how people “interact with others, communicate, learn and behave,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is often diagnosed in early childhood and the range of conditions varies from person to person.

Those with autism have challenges with social interaction, speech, repetitive behaviors and communication. It is a lifelong disorder, but through speech, occupational and behavioral therapy, some children with autism can learn skills to improve their quality of life and foster greater independence, according to the Brain Center of North Austin.

James appeared in the first two seasons of the Netflix docuseries but was unlucky in love. That changed in season 3, where his romance with Shelley was featured.

Shelley was introduced during episode 6 of season 3, which premiered on the streaming service on April 2, 2025. James invited her to his 37th birthday at his home after initially meeting her online.

Viewers watched the couple share their first kiss and decide to become boyfriend and girlfriend.

The couple celebrated their first anniversary of dating on April 28, 2025. James shared a moving Instagram tribute to mark the occasion.

“I would like to wish a happy first anniversary to @shelley.wolfee! You are the most amazing and wonderful person whom I have ever met, and I love you more than what I can express in words!” he wrote while including a photo of the couple sharing a toast with glasses of water over dinner.

“This past year has been one of the best years of my life, and I am so glad that we are on this journey, together, so I am looking forward to sharing a lifetime of wonderful and happy memories, with you!” James added, revealing he’s thrilled about their future together.