Soft Startups and Gentler Delivery

When you first realize that autism or ADHD is part of your relationship, it’s so common to encounter “doomsday” narratives online—stories that make neurodiverse couples feel destined for disconnection.

In this episode, Mike and Amy are back for Part 2 to share what actually happens after the discovery and how they’ve stayed connected through burnout, resentment, emotional differences, and communication challenges.

Mike was identified as autistic in adulthood, long after their relationship began. Together, they talk honestly about the shifts they had to make, the misunderstandings that once felt overwhelming, and the unexpected strengths autism brings into their home and partnership.

If you missed Part 1, I encourage you to listen to that episode first. It covers how they discovered Mike is autistic and the early strategies that helped them build a more workable, sustainable rhythm together.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why so much advice about autistic–neurotypical couples feels negative
• The strengths, focus, and “superpowers” autism brings into daily life
• How Mike recognizes autistic burnout earlier and what helps prevent shutdowns
• The difference between being angry at your partner vs. angry about the situation
• How gender roles and emotional labor shape hetero neurodiverse relationships
• Communication tools that have made a difference—soft startups, scripting, and meta-messages
• What both autistic and allistic partners need when they’re at different stages of awareness or acceptance

We also speak directly to therapists and coaches about the importance of understanding neurodiversity as its own specialty and how easily it’s misidentified without the right training.

About Today's Guests

Mike and Amy have been together for 18 years. Mike discovered he is autistic four years ago, which opened up a completely new understanding of their relationship dynamic. Today, he advocates for autistic adults and is currently writing a forthcoming memoir on late-diagnosed autism.

Amy is a licensed therapist in Illinois and a coach for clients in other states. She specializes in supporting autistic adults, partners in neurodiverse relationships, and parents raising neurodivergent children. She also trains other clinicians in recognizing adult autism and working effectively with neurodiverse couples.

Connect with Amy: amatthews@prairiewellness.org
Learn more: prairiewellness.org

About Your Host

I’m Jodi Carlton, a neurodiverse relationship coach with more than 20 years of experience as a therapist, coach, educator, and author. As a neurodivergent woman who spent 19 years in a marriage with an autistic partner and raised neurodivergent children, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to this work. I help individuals, couples, and families around the world find clarity, confidence, and connection in their neurodiverse relationships.

Explore resources, quizzes, and courses: jodicarlton.com
Questions? Contact me: gethelp@jodicarlton.com