Dr. Theresa Regan is a neuropsychologist who has extensive experience working with autistic individuals and neurodiverse couples and she has been trained to work with adolescents, adults and aging adults. During this episode she shares both her personal and professional experiences to help us better understand how to navigate the different seasons of a "Neurodiverse Love" relationship.
The topics we address include:
- How does the dating relationship change when couples move in together, get married or have children?
- How relationship roles and structure can change through dating and beyond
- How scripts from tv and film help shape the dating process.
- How does masking affect relationship changes?
- When a romantic partner becomes a special interest and then another special interest becomes more important.
- What is a "just right" state and why can it be such a challenge?
- The importance of diagnosis for "self" and "other" awareness.
- Understanding roles and what it means to be "wired differently".
- Grieving for the relationship that was and accepting what is.
- Emotional and sensory overwhelm and understanding and supporting each other's needs.
- Being a "detective", rather then a "police officer".
- The importance of regular huddles.
- Self awareness and body changes as we age in our neurodiverse relationships.
You can contact Dr. Regan at: adultandgeriatricautism@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram at: regan_autism
For information on scheduling an ASD diagnosis appointment, call OSF Healthcare: 309-655-7378. Listen to Dr. Regan's podcast: Autism in the Adult or checkout her website at: www.adultandgeriatricautism.com
You may also want to purchase her books: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults, 2nd Edition or Understanding Autistic Behaviors
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If you would like to learn more about neurodiverse relationships, please check out: www.neurodiverselove.com or follow Mona on Instagram @neurodiverse_love
If you are interested in joining the free on-line peer support groups being offered for the non-autistic/neurotypical partners, please send Mona a DM on Instagram or send an email to: neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com
Mona is also offering support groups for Neurodiverse Couples. If you and your partner are interested in joining a group, please send an e-mail with the heading "Neurodiverse Couples Group" to: neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com. You will receive information about the cost and the dates for the next group.
Thanks for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love community!
