Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

If you are interested in learning more about the resources Mona offers you can check out her website here. If you would like to buy lifetime access to all 31 video sessions from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference click here.————————————————————————-During this session from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference, Clare Bates talks about how we can better support autistic people with their relationship and sexuality needs, based on what they have said matters most to them. Clare shares key findings from research and highlights the challenges autistic people face when it comes to relationships, as well as the type of support they want. She also talks about the training that she and colleagues have developed for social care staff to help them provide more meaningful, person-centred support. You can find more about this work in the Autistic Loving section of the Supported Loving Toolkit.Bio:Claire Bates, is a neurodivergent researcher and leader (and founder) of the UK’s Supported Loving Network, which focuses on improving how social care supports people with sexuality and relationships. Through the network, she’s created a space for sharing best practice, training, and resources to help staff provide more person-centered and rights-based support. Claire is also an active researcher in the field of sexuality and disability, looking at the barriers people with learning disabilities and autistic people face when it comes to building and maintaining relationships. Her work brings together real-world experience and research to push for better support and to make sure people’s voices and rights are at the center of everything.

Shawna Meek, an ICF-certified professional coach and betrayal trauma specialist, and Kevin Meek, a peer mentor focused on problematic sexual behavior, share invaluable insights for couples facing challenges in neurodiverse relationships. They discuss the common ruptures caused by betrayal and deceit, emphasizing emotional healing and the importance of accountability in recovery. Practical strategies for communication, setting boundaries, and navigating trauma are explored, offering hope and tools for rebuilding trust amid complex emotional landscapes.

Dr. Theresa Regan, a neuropsychologist with over 30 years of experience, shares vital insights on transforming neurodiverse households from a rigid policing model to one of collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging neurological differences among family members. By fostering curiosity and understanding individual needs, households can shift towards a creative problem-solving approach. This not only alleviates conflicts and promotes needs fulfillment but also cultivates a supportive environment that positively impacts schools and workplaces.

In this insightful conversation, Giji Dennard, a speaker and author dedicated to healing parent-child relationships, delves into the challenges of being raised by neurodivergent parents. She discusses how chronic misunderstanding can harm children's self-worth and emotional health. Giji introduces her three-step healing program, covering the importance of recognizing impacts, releasing resentment, and receiving grace and renewed identity. With empathy and transparency, she offers hope for those navigating the complexities of neurodivergent parenting.

Jasmine Loo, a psychologist and coach specialized in alexithymia, discusses the distinct challenges that neurodivergent individuals face in romantic relationships. She dives into how alexithymia affects emotional expression and communication, detailing practical strategies for fostering deeper connections. Jasmine explores dynamics when partners differ in emotional styles, and offers techniques like explicit communication for clarity. She also highlights the importance of seeking professional support, making her insights invaluable for those navigating love in unique ways.

Dr. Jessie Mahoney, a board-certified pediatrician and professional coach, specializes in guiding high-achieving women. In this enlightening discussion, she explores why these women often find themselves in relationships with neurodivergent men, revealing the complementary strengths and shared values that draw them together. Dr. Mahoney addresses common frustrations, emphasizing the importance of acceptance over the desire to change partners. She advocates for mindfulness and adjusting expectations in neurodiverse relationships, promoting empowerment and strategic self-support.

Laura Schreiner, a licensed therapist and somatic practitioner specializing in neurodiverse couples, shares valuable insights on relationship dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing self-worth and encourages examining personal narratives for growth. Laura outlines five harmful habits affecting neurodiverse relationships and suggests bridging differences through shared values. She introduces techniques for nervous system regulation and reducing judgment, advocating for the transformative power of language and focused awareness in building healthier connections.

Nicole Knowlton, a neurodivergent specialist with expertise in ASD and ADHD assessment and mediation, dives deep into unique mediation strategies for individuals with autism, ADHD, and PTSD. She discusses the complexities of divorce and estate disputes in neurodivergent families, emphasizing tailored approaches. Nicole highlights how hormonal fluctuations impact emotional regulation and medication effects, advocating for increased awareness and practical strategies to enhance mediation outcomes. Her insights offer a compassionate lens on resolving conflicts while preserving relationships.

This presentation aims to help clarify and identify domestic violence in Neurodiverse relationships. From lived personal experience, and hearing the experiences of her clients, Brooke has realized that often the warning signs sometimes cannot be easily identifiable. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and can affect all neurotypes. This presentation will explore the reasons why domestic violence can be missed or minimized in the relationship or in therapy, and how this can be very harmful for the victim. Please note: Not all Neurodiverse relationships are abusive, and not all Neurodiverse individuals are abusive, either. Brooke does work with many Neurodiverse couples and individuals that are healthy and safe. If you are in danger or need further assistance leaving a domestic violence situation, please visit: https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizationsBrooke LaLone, LMFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist located in Rochester, NY. Brooke is a certified Neurodiverse Couples therapist through AANE. Brooke specializes also in perinatal mental health, eating disorders, and trauma recovery. Brooke was previously in a Neurodiverse marriage for 4.5 years, and it did end in 2024 due to irreconcilable differences, and domestic violence. Brooke is now using her experience to help all neurotypes to improve their relationships, heal from their own traumatic experiences, help domestic violence survivors, and provide support for neurodivergent individuals navigating relationships. In her free time, she loves playing with her 3 year old daughter, going on hikes, exploring the Finger Lakes, reading, and spending time with her family. You can contact Brooke at the link below:https://www.brookewardlmft.com/

If you would like to get more information about the resources, Mona offers through Neurodiverse love you can check out her website at neurodiverselove.com—————————————————————————-Enjoyable, loving relationships are far more likely when we first possess self-love. But this is often difficult for autistics. Not only do we experience many neurodivergent challenges, we are inundated with information about the negative aspects of autism. This limited picture prevents us from seeing ourselves fully. There are many wonderful, joyous things that come with being autistic. In this episode Jackie Schuld’s session from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference , explores the joys of being autistic and how you can experience them more often. Through the information Jackie shares you will have a new perspective of autism, the ability to identify your personal autistic strengths, and an increase of self-understanding, appreciation, and love.Jackie Schuld is an autistic/ADHD artist, writer, and general lover of life. She is also a Board-Certified Art Therapist who runs a therapy private practice that specializes in late-identified autism and ADHD. She is the author and illustrator of seven books, including Life as a Late-Identified Autistic, What is Autism?, Being an Autistic Writer, and her upcoming book The Joys of Being Autistic.