Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

Michelle Garnett, a clinical psychologist specializing in autism and co-founder of Atwood & Garnett Events, joins Tony Attwood, an internationally recognized autism specialist. They discuss the importance of embracing neurodiversity in relationships, highlighting communication strategies like the four C's: curiosity, compassion, commitment, and connection. They explore how to celebrate strengths, recognize positive interactions, and adapt to communication challenges in neurodiverse couples. The conversation emphasizes acceptance, compromise, and the need for supportive resources.

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 She challenges outdated stereotypes by highlighting their rich spectrum of desires and experiences.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.

In this insightful discussion, Sarah Hendrickx, a leading author and diagnostician on AuDHD, sheds light on the rising rates of adult dual diagnoses of autism and ADHD. She explains how historical diagnostic limitations and a focus on children have shaped our understanding. The conversation explores how the traits of these conditions can mask each other, resulting in unique challenges and strengths. Sarah also shares practical tips for managing impulsivity and building routines, along with exciting news about her upcoming workbook aimed at self-discovery.

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.

During this season of the Neurodiverse Love podcast, Mona Kay will be doing more short, solo episodes to share some of the information she thinks has been most helpful in the support groups she facilitates for non-autistic/neurotypical partners and neurodiverse couples. Today's episode will focus on understanding how both partners may be feeling lonely in their relationship, and the importance of getting clarity about your core values, wants, needs, and non-negotiables.The core values assessment can be found here.If you would like to explore more topics that can help you and your partner increase undertanding of your wants and needs you may want to buy the digital versions of the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards and/or Workbook. When both partners begin to understand themselves and each other things can begin to change. Unintentional hurt can be reduced, acceptance of what is neurologically hard-wired can increase, and more compassion, respect and curiosity can become the norm.To learn more about the support groups and short-term coaching Mona offers you can check out her website.

Bontle Senne, an AuDHD speaker and sex coach, and Sara-Louise Ackrill, a neurodiversity specialist and therapist, dive into the complexities of relationships in the neurodivergent community. They discuss the importance of authentic connection, ‘parallel play,’ and unmasking in relationships. The duo debunks myths surrounding neurodiversity, shedding light on unique terms like 'clitmatized' and 'digmatized.' They explore the challenges of intimacy and the need for open communication, emphasizing that understanding personal needs is key to fostering deeper connections.

Maxine Aston, a renowned counsellor specializing in neurodiverse relationships, teams up with the influential clinical psychologist Tony Attwood. They discuss critical insights from their new book on counseling neurodiverse couples. Topics include the necessity for therapists to understand autism's impact on relationships and the unique challenges faced by female autistic partners. Aston and Attwood also highlight the importance of validation, effective communication, and alternative support methods to create a more understanding environment for neurodiverse families.

David Helfand, a clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy and neurofeedback, shares fascinating insights on how brain mapping can transform relationships. He discusses the importance of understanding brain activity and our reactions to triggers. Topics include the concept of neurofeedback as 'physical therapy for the brain' and strategies to enhance communication in neurodiverse relationships. Helfand emphasizes empathy, curiosity, and the need for tailored approaches to foster connection and emotional safety. Discover how this knowledge can empower personal growth and healthier interactions.