Dr. Valerie Gaus is a clinical psychologist whose focus is on treating mental health issues in adults with autism spectrum disorder, including depression, anxiety, stress and trauma. She is also the author of "Living Well on the Spectrum. How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism" and "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition"

During this episode, Valerie talks about the circuitous route her career took to put her on the path to begin working with autistic adults. She also focuses on how communication is the key to "any" successful relationship and how many neurodiverse couples may need to create a "third language" so that they can communicate effectively and understand each other. She also discusses the results of an important study that highlighted the most critical factor to predicting that romantic relationships will be successful.

Dr. Gaus also talks about how important it is for both partners to make "some changes" and be willing to do "uncomfortable things" to move from "struggling to thriving". She also shares how destructive shame can be in a love relationship. She addresses how a partner may feel when they are repeatedly told they are not meeting their loved ones expectations, and why dealing with that shame is a critical step to move forward to create a healthy relationship

For more information on the counseling and coaching services Dr. Gaus offers, you can contact her through her website at: http://www.drvaleriegaus.com/

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