Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

To learn about the resources Mona has available for individual partners and neurodiverse couples check out her website at: neurodiverse love.comBoundaries are a vital topic for fostering healthy neurodiverse relationships. This episode from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference explores why neurodiverse couples are often at higher risk for co-dependence and dysfunction, delves into what boundaries are and their importance, and examines how neurodiverse and neurotypical boundaries differ. It will also cover how boundaries serve to protect and why enforcing consequences can drive meaningful change. We will also discuss strategies for communicating boundaries effectively and evolving consequences for long-term growth. Barbara Grant is a dedicated neurodiverse couples coach with both personal and professional expertise in navigating the unique dynamics of neurodiverse relationships. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Certified Autism Specialist and Neurodiverse Couples Coach. Barbara’s coaching is grounded in her innovative Roadmap to Hope & Healing© -- a research-based, results-driven approach inspired by her own experiences within neurodiverse marriage and family life. Passionate about helping individuals and couples heal, grow, and determine the sustainability of their relationships, Barbara brings empathy and insight to her work. She has been featured on popular podcasts such as Your Neurodiverse Relationship with Jodi Carlton, and The Neurodiverse Christian Couples Podcast. Additionally, she is the editor and a contributing author of Uniquely Us: Gracefully Navigating the Maze of Neurodiverse Marriage, Autism, and Faith. Barbara currently cohosts The Neurodiverse Couples “Coaches’ Corner” Podcast. To learn more or to schedule a free 20-minute consultation, visit www.BG-HC.com.

In this discussion, Daniel Jones, a best-selling author and influential creator behind The Aspie World, shares insights on the power of autistic-autistic relationships. He emphasizes how these connections foster authentic bonds through shared understanding and effective communication. Daniel explores conflict resolution strategies, the joys of mutual growth, and the importance of embracing authenticity in love. With personal anecdotes and research, he redefines what a healthy partnership looks like for the neurodivergent community.

Jill Corvelli, founder of the Neurodiverse Partners Institute, specializes in supporting complex couples where one or both partners are neurodistinct. In this discussion, she reveals common stages of change in neurodiverse relationships, emphasizing the growth potential through connection. Jill introduces her ND Compass model to improve communication and decision-making and highlights the importance of emotional safety. She also explores the necessity of inner work for enhanced intimacy and managing nervous system health, providing valuable insights for navigating these unique dynamics.

During this episode, Jennie Williams talks about her own neurodivergence and disabilities and how important it is to support the intimacy needs of disabled and neurodivergent folks. She shares information about why she started the charity Enhance the UK and the campaign they run called Undressing Disability. Some of the other topics addressed include how to communicate about your intimacy needs as a disabled adult. The resources available through the Love Lounge that Jennie and her friend Zoe co-lead. Participants can get 3 free sessions to work through any issues they are facing in their intimate relationships. She also shares how internalized shame and/or ableism does not equal an authentic relationship and how important it is to address sensory sensitivities and other needs each partner may have that could make their intimate relationships more mutually beneficial.You can learn more about the work being done through Enhance the UK here.

If you would like to learn more about the resources Mona offers you can check out the links below. Buy the ⁠Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or Workbook⁠⁠Newsletter⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠Mona also offers supports groups for neurodiverse couples and non-autistic/neurotypical partners. Learn more here. If you would like to buy life-time access to the 31 video sessions from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference click here and use code Podcast50 to get $50 off the price. ____________________________________________________________During this session from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference, Stephen Robertson, LMFT shares information about the group work he has done with Autistic men. In his work as a psychotherapist, he has observed the profound impact of neurodiverse-NT relationships on both partners, yet the male ASD-1 perspective is often overlooked. In 2023, he began facilitating men’s therapy groups specifically for ASD-1 individuals and was struck by the glaring lack of specialist support available to them. These men shared deeply about their experiences, challenges, and hopes, and he was moved by their courage and desire to connect. In this episode, Stephen highlights the stories and struggles of male ASD-1 partners, challenges the stigma they often face, and he explores how we can create safe therapeutic spaces for them to share their experience, strength, and hope. By broadening the narrative, we can foster deeper understanding and compassion in neurodiverse-NT relationships.Stephen Robertson is a Licensed Marriage, and Family Therapist (LMFT) and autistic individual (ASD-1). He offers a unique blend of lived experience and clinical expertise in supporting neurodiverse-NT couples. His work focuses on helping partners navigate the complexities of neurodiverse relationships, fostering emotional connection, and building understanding through practical tools and compassionate guidance. In 2023, Stephen launched therapy groups for ASD-1 men, uncovering an urgent need for spaces where they can safely share their struggles and strengths. These groups have become a cornerstone of his mission to empower neurodivergent men and challenge the stigma they often face in relationships.Stephen’s trauma-informed, strength-based approach integrates modalities like Internal Family Systems and Emotion-Focused Therapy. He is passionate about redefining the narrative around neurodiverse relationships, celebrating their unique strengths, and helping clients create meaningful, fulfilling connections.You can contact Stephen at the link below:https://www.therapy4autisticmen.com/stephen-robertson

If you would like to learn more about coaching services, support groups and other resources Mona has available for neurodiverse couples and individual partners you can check out her website.____________________________________________________________During this episode with Caron Starobin you will learn about the Relationship Bootcamp she is co-facilitating on October 10th and 11th in Ashton, Maryland. Participants will learn essential skills for improved communication, conflict resolution and building intimacy using the Relational Life Therapy Model that was developed by Terry Real.Caron shares how she will use Relational Life Therapy to help participants learn how to address the never ending cycle of harmony, disharmony and repair and how the skills couples and individuals learn will help them connect in more effective and healthy ways. Caron has extensive experience working with neurodiverse couples and this is her second time as a guest on the podcast. She was also a presenter at the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference.To register for the Relationship Bootcamp or learn more about the services available through Starobin Counseling you can click here.

If you would like to buy lifetime access to all 31 video sessions from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference you can get $50 off by using the code Podcast 50 here.___________________________________________________________During this podcast episode you will have an opportunity to hear Laurie Budlong-Morse's excellent presentation about adult children of autistic parents, from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference. Older autistic adults have been called "The Lost Generation", because most were not given the opportunities for self-understanding and support that they desperately needed. Their children, who are now adults themselves, have been lost as well, largely left invisible and unsupported by clinicians and autism advocacy efforts alike. This presentation will foster visibility and understanding of the unique experiences and needs of this population, with insights and suggestions for clinicians, adult children of autistic parents, and their partners. Laurie Budlong-Morse is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, an AANE Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist, and an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor Candidate; she is also the adult child of an autistic mother. She facilitates a monthly online support group for fellow ACAPs (adult children of autistic parents) in addition to providing an array of other services for those in neurodiverse relationships and their clinicians. You can learn more about her and her services at lauriebmorse.com.  Buy the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or WorkbookNewsletter | Instagram | Website | YouTubeInterested in joining a support group for neurodiverse couples or neurotypical/non-autistic partners? Send an email to neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com

If you would like to learn more about the resources Mona has available through Neurodiverse Love you can click here . Mona offers coaching and support groups for neurodiverse couples and the non-autistic/NT partners. ____________________________________________________________During this episode, returning guest Grace Myhill shares information about why many neurodiverse couples seek help from coaches or therapist to address challenges with intimacy. She also provides details about the new Intimacy Intensive training that is now available through AANE for coaches and therapists who are seeking more in-depth knowledge on how to work with and help neurodiverse couples who need guidance and support in this area of their relationship. Click here to learn more about this training.In addition, Grace shares information about the new neurodiverse couples retreat "Comfort, Curiousity, Communication and Connection" that she and her colleague Leslie Sickels will be co-facilitating on October 17th, 18th, and 19th in Baltimore Maryland. For more information about the retreat you can email Grace at grace.myhill@aane.org

If you would like to buy lifetime access to the 31 sessions from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference click here and use code Podcast50 to get $50 off the conference price.Also, to learn more about the other resources Mona has available you can check out her website.____________________________________________________________During this session from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference Michelle Garnett and Tony Attwood share ways in which couples can embrace neurodiversity in their relationship.  More specifically they will address: understanding neurodiversity, enhancing communication, celebrating strengths, and creating coping strategies together.With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. He holds an Honor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Surrey, and a PhD from the University of London. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, Tony's impact has enriched the global understanding of autism.Alongside Dr. Michelle Garnett, Tony co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, driven by the shared goal of enhancing autism awareness and understanding. Their shared vision seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding autism to create a world where autism is embraced, and the diverse strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals are celebrated. This transformative narrative fosters a more inclusive and accepting society, benefitting all its members.  Renowned for his extensive contributions to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, now commonly referred to as autism, Tony has authored numerous publications on the subject. His seminal book, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals debuted in 1998, resonated globally and has since found its voice in over 25 languages, making his insights accessible across cultures and continents.  With a dedicated commitment to practical application, he has run a private practice for 30 years, only recently closing his books due to a long waiting list. Beyond his clinical work, he dedicates significant time to travel, sharing insights and knowledge through workshops and seminars across national and international platforms.Dr. Michelle Garnett is a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years specializing in autism. In 2005, she founded Minds & Hearts, a clinic specializing in autism, where she served as Clinical & Managing Director for 14 years until 2019. Alongside Tony Attwood she co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019.In addition to her extensive private practice, Michelle has significantly contributed to autism research, authored influential books, and engaged in impactful speaking engagements. Her peer-reviewed research has informed our understanding of early autism identification, the female autism profile, and the link between mental health and positive outcomes in autistic individuals. She has co-authored six respected books on autism, including the influential Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism (2018) with Barb Cook, a seminal work on the female autism experience. Her recent books, Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum offer invaluable guidance to parents of young autistic children.Michelle is a sought-after presence in academic circles, presenting as a keynote speaker at conferences and conducting workshops, seminars, and training sessions on autism across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Her influence extends to universities, autism organizations, government, and non-governmental bodies, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the autism field. Michelle is autistic and has ADHD, late diagnosed. To learn more about the workshops and other resources Michelle and Tony have available you can check out their website https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/

In this solo discussion, the complexities of emotional reciprocity in neurodiverse relationships are explored. Listeners learn the significance of listening to truly understand their partner's needs. Curiosity replaces judgment as partners are encouraged to ask for specific support. The episode highlights the importance of attunement, teamwork, and addressing misunderstandings with patience. Apologies and repairs are emphasized as essential steps in nurturing a loving connection.