“I think Matilda is starting to understand that autism affects me greatly,” Niles explains after Matilda confronts him about his comment

90 Days‘s Niles opens up about the difficulties of dating people with autism after upsetting Matilda with some of his comments.

PEOPLE’s exclusive sneak peek at the November 10 episode 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 DaysWhile Niles helps Matilda sell bananas for her family’s business, Matilda faces a negative comment about her family’s home in Ghana, which she likens to a prison.

The 27-year-old quickly apologizes after his girlfriend explains how hurtful that comment would have been to her mother if she had actually heard it.

Matilda then asks if Niles’ reaction is due to autism, sparking a conversation that Niles is undoubtedly “afraid” to have.

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“I think Matilda is starting to understand that autism affects me in a big way, not the least of which is me coming out with the truth,” Niles explains in a confessional. “Even if I know what I’m supposed to do, it’s hard to actually follow through.”

She adds: “This is an example of how dating and relationships are not easy for me. “It’s not like that.”

Niles takes the opportunity to talk more with Matilda about “masking,” a coping mechanism in which people with autism act in certain ways to appear neurotypical.

He tells Matilda that he often wears a mask to avoid disturbing people, but that he will often be criticized for “lying” when doing so. “When will I tell the truth and when will I mask it?” Nil thinks.

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Matilda replies, “If it were me, you could tell the truth.” “But you know when we go to my parents’ house or somewhere in public… I don’t like it.”

Niles said the change probably won’t happen overnight but promised to “try not to mask it anymore” around Matilda.

Matilda worries that Niles may leave her because she expresses concerns about his autism and its impact on their relationship.

But Niles is happy that Matilda talked to him about her wants and needs. “I’m glad you talked to me,” Niles explains. “It’s actually a huge relief when you tell me what you want.”

In a confessional, Niles reveals that people have “gave up” on him in the past when things got tough.

Instead of waiting for her to develop on her own like others, Niles says, “Matilda is teaching me how to treat her, and I’m so happy that she’s willing to do that for me.”

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90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days It airs Sundays at 8pm ET on TLC.