Autistic Advocacy: Autistic Intimacy

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt Lowry LPP and Dr. Angela Kingdon are joined by Kate McNulty—autistic sex and relationship therapist—to explore intimacy, dating, and emotional connection from a neurodivergent perspective.

From sensory overwhelm to SPIN-sharing love languages, they unpack how autistic adults can build relationships that are joyful, authentic, and sustainable—without masking away their true selves.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Unique challenges of dating while autistic: sensory issues, communication differences, and masking in relationships
• How masking in romance can lead to emotional burnout and disconnection
• The role of special interests (SPINs) as an autistic love language
• Why autistic voices have been excluded from conversations about intimacy, and how to change that
• How couples therapy can be adapted for autistic or mixed-neurotype relationships
• Autism and asexuality—plus the diversity of intimacy experiences in the LGBTQ+ autistic community
• Practical strategies for making intimacy sensory-friendly and emotionally safe
• Why many autistic people are open to non-traditional relationship structures despite valuing routine
• Celebrating autistic joy in relationships through authenticity and shared passion

Featured Guest: Kate McNulty

Kate McNulty is a proudly autistic licensed clinical social worker specializing in autism-affirming therapy, sex and relationship counselling, and neurodivergent support. She is certified by the Gottman Institute in relationship therapy and by AASECT as a sex therapist. Kate is passionate about helping autistic individuals and couples build meaningful, joyful, and authentic connections.

• 🔗 Therapy Practice – portland-counseling.com
• 🔗 Sex Therapy & Education – sexpositivetherapist.com
• 🔗 Autism-Specific Services – autistictherapist.com
• 📅 Schedule a session

Resources:

• 🧠 Angela’s SPIN Study → bit.ly/spinstudy
• 🖤 Find a Kink Munch – A neurodivergent-friendly way to meet like-minded people → Find a Munch
• 📚 Exhibitionism for the Shy by Carol Queen → Available on Amazon
• 📺 I Love You, Don’t Touch Me: Sex and Sensory Processing – Pink Therapy on YouTube → Watch here

Related Episodes:

Kink is Autistic

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