Rocky wrote:
Have you tried getting to know someone over the web first before meeting them in person? That might get you past the most awkward part.
Definitely pros and cons to that approach, as I've learned from personal experience.
On one hand, it works pretty much exactly as advertised in terms of reducing the awkwardness and misunderstandings, on the other hand it can create a false impression of you that can turn disasterous when you finally meet (don't ask me how I know this.

)
But so far 2/3 meetings have gone pretty well so maybe it's still worth trying...
Other than that, I sympathize with the OP: I've endured the "joys" of being an Aspie who tries to date for MANY years - so I should know better than anyone...