Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children TPP 256a: Autistic Therapist Kate McNulty on Mixed-Neurotype Relationships
Dec 12, 2025
Kate McNulty, a licensed clinical social worker and autistic advocate, shares her journey of discovering her autism through her child's questions. She explores the complexities of mixed-neurotype relationships, discussing common challenges like misinterpreted behaviors and the shifts in dynamics post-dating. Kate also offers therapeutic strategies to enhance connection and emphasizes the importance of preparing neurodivergent kids for healthy relationships. Her insights on fostering appreciation and communication in partnerships are both enlightening and empowering.
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Late Self-Discovery Changed Her Career
- Kate McNulty discovered she was autistic after her child mentioned autism, which led her to research and recognize two autistic children and herself.
- That realization prompted a career pivot into working with autistic clients and writing about mixed-neurotype relationships.
Misread Traits Mask Strengths
- Many neurotypical partners misinterpret autistic traits as lack of feeling or intention rather than different expressions of care.
- Reframing those behaviors reveals overlooked strengths and reduces stigmatizing narratives about autistic partners.
Recognize Practical Acts As Affection
- Look for nontraditional expressions of affection like practical acts or steady reliability from your autistic partner.
- Notice concrete helpful behaviors as love languages instead of only expecting romantic gestures.
