Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

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.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Dashnaw, a couples therapist and co-founder of Couples Therapy Inc., redefines demand avoidance as a spectrum behavior that signals unmet needs rather than pathology. He highlights how transition stress impacts demand avoidance, drawing parallels between children's overt reactions and adults' subtler behaviors. Daniel advocates externalizing demand avoidance to foster understanding and communication in families, emphasizing the importance of empathy and shared narratives in reducing conflict. His insights offer a compassionate framework for navigating neurodiverse relationships.

If you would like more information about the resources Mona offers through Neurodiverse Love you can check out her website at: Neurodiverselove.com——————————————————————————The process of self-discovery & acceptance as an autistic or neurodivergent person can be riddled with external and internal challenges. These challenges show up in our relationships with self & others but are navigable with the right supports and resources in place. This episode is a presentation from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference and includes key practices for enhancing self-acceptance and appreciation, through a compassion-focused lens, that can help us improve our connections with the self and others.Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS has worked in higher education and mental health settings for the last 17 years. She is the Program Director & an Associate Professor in the CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Prior to academia, she worked at Florida Atlantic University as the Assistant Director for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) where she provided individual, couples, and family direct support and consultative services to the community. Currently, she provides individual counseling for adolescents and adults at the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety & Mood Disorders. Cunningham has presented on and published a book, book chapters and academic articles related to various topics including autism supports & advocacy, mental health first aid, counselor career preparation, and on advocacy for BIPOC, queer & trans communities. You can reach Ali at the link below:Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

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.