For Connor, autism means having a “more vivid imagination,” and this Georgia native lets his run wild as an avid collector of swords and a lover of fantasy film and television. Connor lives with his tight-knit family, including his three younger siblings, his mom, stepdad, and their three dogs, but he has fears of spending the “rest of [his] life alone.” That’s why he’s stepping out of his comfort zone and pursuing a relationship for the first time. Connor is excited to meet a brunette woman who hopefully shares his passion for ancient history — and maybe she’s waiting at his first speed-dating event. 

Life has never been better for Abbey, who’s still deeply in love with her boyfriend, David. The couple have now been together for almost two years and have plenty of more adventures together on the horizon, including an upcoming African safari. Abbey lives with her mother, Christine, in LA and has recently been volunteering at a thrift store, in addition to managing her growing social media following and online hat business. Abbey says she’s been learning to “manage [her] disability even more,” especially with David by her side, who she says makes her “feel like a princess.”  

“It’s finally my turn,” says Journey of her search for love. Having never been on a date, the 18-year-old is eager to discover all that romance has to offer with the right woman. Journey lives in Chicago with her mom, dad, and brother, who are all extremely supportive of her dating — well — journey. She was diagnosed with autism only a year ago, which helped affirm many of her past experiences and answer even more questions. “I was actually really excited,” she says about the diagnosis. “I used to think I was crazy.” Bursting with creativity, Journey has a passion for baking and she plans to bring some sweet treats along on her first date. 

Dani is back after learning some hard lessons about dating last season. “It’s best for me to get to know the person first before making any moves,” she says. Besides some DMs over Instagram, the animation enthusiast hasn’t been looking for love, but now she’s ready to get back out there and go on a blind date. Dani has lived with her aunt and uncle since she was 12 years old in Los Angeles, where she owns and operates her animation company, DaniMation. Her dream guy would share in her love of all things animation, but most importantly, he must be completely independent and have his own passions.

Tanner describes himself as “a kind young man who spreads joy all around the world.” He gets plenty of opportunities to do just that on the job at a local hotel in downtown Clemson, where he works alongside his younger sister. Tanner also happens to live close by with his two roommates. While he’s never been on a date before, Tanner is keen to meet his match. On a scale of 1to 10, he ranks the importance of finding love in his life at a 12. Tanner hopes to connect with a potential partner over his fascination with animals and US history.

Since we last saw him, Steve has completely pressed pause on his dating life. But now he’s ready to step out on his first date in over a year, with the help of his personal assistant . “I never know how and or where I’ll find [love], but I just have this feeling that I’m absolutely meant to be with somebody,” Steve says. Diagnosed with autism later in life, he’s excited to jump-start his search for a soulmate once again. 

Since the series aired, James, who’s returning from last season, has been enjoying the perks of becoming a “pseudo celebrity.” “A lot of people have been recognizing me now,” he says. “That’s been pretty cool.” But the Boston native, who lives with his parents, June and Lawrence, still hasn’t found that “special someone who [he] can share the best moments of [his] life with.” Despite making zero matches during a recent speed-dating event, James isn’t discouraged. Now he’s back searching for his ideal life partner, who will hopefully appreciate his luscious locks.