YOUR Neurodiverse Relationship with Jodi Carlton, MEd

How to Replace “Shoulds” With Strategies That Fit Neurotypes

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Oct 29, 2025

This podcast features Laura Schreiner, a licensed counselor and expert on neurodiversity. She shares insights on how neurodiverse relationships can thrive through messy and nonlinear progress. Key topics include the importance of forgiveness in healing and the role of practical tools over idealized expectations. The discussion emphasizes building awareness, tolerance, and using tailored strategies to bridge differences. Listeners gain valuable tips on fostering connection, navigating discomfort, and recognizing markers of progress in their relationships.

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ADVICE

Try, Try Different: Embrace Micro-Steps

Try multiple approaches and accept micro-steps as progress rather than expecting steady improvement.
Practice tolerance for discomfort and experiment until solutions fit your couple's neurotypes.

ADVICE

Make Forgiveness And Repair Central

Forgive when harm was unintentional and work with a therapist if deep wounds block healing.
Prioritize repairing ruptures because many relationship problems are perpetual and require ongoing repair skills.

ANECDOTE

Daily "Autism Moment" Journal

Heidi's husband journaled a daily "autism moment" with date, feelings, and tools to use differently next time.
Reading these entries nightly built pattern awareness, emotional labeling, and visible effort that aided forgiveness.

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Can a neurodiverse relationship thrive long-term—even when the work feels messy, nonlinear, and hard?

In Part 3, the final episode of this roundtable series, Jodi and the panel of neurodiversity experts explore the skills that make progress possible: forgiveness, repair after conflict, and practical tools that help partners bridge intent and impact. This conversation digs into what progress actually looks like (hint: it’s not linear), why discomfort is part of the process, and how couples build something that works for them—not just what’s “supposed to” work.

💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How forgiveness can support healing without minimizing real pain
What effective repair looks like when most problems are ongoing, not “fixed”
Why tools and strategies matter more than “it should be natural” thinking
How to tolerate uncertainty and stay connected through discomfort
Key markers that show a couple is moving forward together

Whether you’re navigating a neurodiverse relationship yourself, supporting someone you love, or working with couples in this space, this conversation is packed with real insight and practical strategies you can start using right away.

👉 Missed Part 1? Watch here: https://youtu.be/rXeUypJeQX4?si=yz0jiOYVdGy007-J

👉 Missed Part 2? Watch here: https://youtu.be/rqW5GRhu5Fs

📍 Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Season 5 Intro: Can Neurodiverse Relationships Really Work?
01:56 – Progress Looks Messy: Awareness, Micro-steps, and Tolerance
07:26 – Forgiveness, Healing, and Real Repair (Gottman Lens)
11:35 – Lived Experience + A Daily “Autism Moment” Journal Tool
18:03 – Stop “It Should Be Natural”: Tools That Fit Neurotypes
22:46 – Intent vs. Impact, Acceptance, and Calling Out Toxic Dynamics
27:20 – Forgiveness for You, Acceptance ≠ Approval, “Space Between Stories”
31:14 – Markers of Progress: Impact Over Intent, Build Your Own Tools

👋🏼 Meet the Experts:

This episode features insights from:

Laura Schreiner – Licensed counselor (IL) specializing in neurodivergent individuals & couples. https://www.laurasnc.com

Mona Kay, MSW, Ph.D. – Host of Neurodiverse Love Podcast, creator of Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards & Workbook, and organizer of the Neurodiverse Love Conference. https://www.neurodiverselove.com

Heidi Hackney – ICF-certified coach, mentor, & co-founder of Autistic Voiceover Artists (AVA), supporting autistic adults in the voiceover industry. https://thecan-docoach.com

Natalie Roberts – Award-winning neurodiverse relationship coach, co-founder of Loving Difference, and co-host of Myth Busting Neurodiverse Relationships. https://natalieroberts.com

Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes – Autism researcher, ordained minister, author of Uniquely Us, and host of Neurodiverse Christian Couples Podcast. https://www.holmesasr.com

Debbie King – Counselor specializing in neurodiverse relationships, trauma, & toxic family dynamics, offering global support via Zoom.

Robin Tate, M.A., M.S., BCC, ACC, CAS – Neurodiverse couples coach, certified autism specialist, and founder of Robin Tate LLC. https://www.robintatellc.com

Jana Smith – Resilience and nervous system coach; expert in chronic illness and Cassandra Syndrome recovery. https://www.janamsmith.com

#neurodiverserelationship #autisminmarriage #adhd #forgiveness #repairafterconflict #cognitiveempathy #communicationtools #neurodiversity
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👩‍💼 About Your Host: Jodi Carlton, MEd

Jodi Carlton is a neurodiverse relationship coach with over 20 years of experience as a therapist, coach, author, and educator. She’s also neurodivergent herself—diagnosed with ADHD as an adult—and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. After 19 years in a marriage with an autistic partner and raising neurodivergent children, Jodi developed a deeply personal understanding of what it takes for relationships like yours to work—and the pitfalls that can derail them. She now coaches individuals, couples, and families around the world using a solution-focused approach that delivers real clarity and lasting change.

👉 Find resources, quizzes, and courses:

https://jodicarlton.com

🔔 Subscribe & Follow for more real conversations and strategies to support #neurodiversecouples.