Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

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.

Candice Christiansen, an experienced clinician specializing in autism and intimacy, shares her insights on the diverse sexual lives of Autistic individuals. She challenges outdated stereotypes by highlighting their rich spectrum of desires and experiences. Candice delves into the nuances of sensory experiences in intimacy, offering practical tips to enhance sexual pleasure by connecting with emotional and physical needs. Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of communication in fostering meaningful connections and satisfying relationships.

During this episode you will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned author Sarah Hendrickx about how autism and ADHD (AuDHD) impact adults.Increasing numbers of people are realizing that one neurodivergent condition doesn't explain all of their experiences and dual diagnosis rates of Autism + ADHD are growing fast. During this episode Sarah outlines why this is, similarities and differences between the two conditions and the joys and challenges that being an adult AuDHDer brings.Sarah Hendrickx is an AuDHD author, diagnostician and keynote speaker on autism and other neurodivergent conditions. She is currently writing a guide to AuDHD.Sarah Hendrickx — Hendrickx AssociatesThis is a session from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference. If you are interested in learning about purchasing lifetime access to the conference or any of the other resources Mona offers you can go to her website at neurodiverselove.com

Learning you are in a mixed neurotype relationship can lead to grieving the relationship you thought you would have, but may never experience. Going through this process to move towards healing includes many stages that are important to understand.During this solo episode Mona normalizes that grief is usually part of the process of discovering you are in a neurodiverse relationship. It is also what you may experience as you begin to understand why you have had so many misunderstandings, disconnection and unintentional hurt in your neurodiverse relationship. During this episode you will learn about the 7 different stages in the grieving process and how each may look for the non-autistic/neurotypical partner. In addition, at the end of the episode Mona shares what grief may look like for the Autistic partner and how grief may be experienced differently for each partner.If you are interested in learning more about the resources Mona has available you can check out her website at: neurodiverselove.comYou can buy the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or Workbook to help you and your partner better understand each other as you move towards acceptance of what is and is not possible and what may never change.If you would like to attend the neurodiverse couples monthly support group that Mona facilitates on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:30-9pm EST you can register in her shop

Grace Malonai, a psychologist and neurodiversity expert at TheraThrive, delves into the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in neurodivergent relationships. She discusses how PDA affects communication, trust, and emotional regulation. Grace offers practical strategies to enhance empathy, self-awareness, and resilience among partners. Insights on the importance of clear boundaries and self-kindness are highlighted, alongside ways to navigate burnout and misunderstandings for healthier connections.