Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

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.

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.

In this engaging discussion, Laurie Budlong-Morse, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and AANE-certified neurodiverse couples therapist, shares her insights as the adult child of an autistic mother. She explores the unique challenges faced by adult children of unidentified autistic parents, addressing themes of emotional neglect, codependency, and social isolation. Laurie emphasizes the importance of validation, self-compassion, and learning practical relationship skills, while also offering hope for healing and enhanced understanding of parental behaviors through a neurodiversity lens.

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