Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

Dr. Ashley Grubbs, a licensed professional counselor and sex therapist specializing in neurodiversity, shares valuable insights on navigating sensory issues in sexuality. She discusses how various hypersensitivities—like sight, sound, and touch—can derail intimacy, offering practical solutions such as eye masks and tactile strategies. Grubbs also highlights hyposensitivities, explaining the need for heightened stimuli and how to adapt intimacy to accommodate these differences. Her approach emphasizes open communication and consent to enhance connection for neurodiverse couples.

Lida Far, a relationship and sex therapist focused on neurodiverse-affirming care, shares crucial insights for navigating the dating scene as a neurodivergent individual. She discusses managing dating anxiety by setting realistic expectations and emphasizes the importance of effective communication. Role-playing is suggested as a way to boost confidence, while pacing contact helps maintain comfort levels. Lida also touches on the significance of safety in meetings and discussing boundaries, ensuring a more fulfilling dating experience.

In a delightful discussion, Paul Micallef, an autistic life coach and creator of 'Autism From The Inside,' shares insights on emotional communication in relationships. He delves into the challenges neurodiverse couples face due to differing emotional styles and offers strategies to bridge communication gaps. Paul emphasizes understanding emotional needs versus logistical asks and encourages clear, specific requests to foster intimacy. He also highlights the importance of celebrating small wins and changing one’s approach to enhance relational dynamics.

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.