Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

To learn more about the Neurodivere Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, the Neurodiverse Love Conference videos and the other resources available for individuals or couples in mixed neurotype relationships, check out ⁠Neurodiverse Love. ________________________________________________ During this episode Heather Parks busts one of the many myths that exist about neurodiverse relationships-the belief that "things will only get better if my partner changes". When we put all the responsibility for change on our partner, we can feel powerless, stuck and frustrated. But the great news is that there's a different way to create change in a relationship! And it doesn't involve coercing others to make changes or to engage with therapy! Instead, the invitation is to become more aware of our own defense modes, to focus on ourselves. It takes two to create a pattern and only one to change it! Heather shares how we are all contributing to the Relationship Defense Cycle, and how we can interrupt it so that we can have a better experience in our neurodiverse relationships. You can contact Heather at: heather@heatherparks.co.uk or on her website at www.heatherparks.co.uk. You can also find Heather at: www.lovingdifference.net or on social media @neurodiversefamilycoach

To learn more about the Neurodivere Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, the Neurodiverse Love Conference videos and the other resources available for individuals or couples in mixed neurotype relationships, check out ⁠Neurodiverse Love. _________________________________________________ During this episode Sarah (Autistic) and Larry (NT) share some of the most useful strategies they have developed for communicating and thriving together as partners, as lovers, and as parents. These are their most impactful tools for effective neurodiverse communication, which they learned "the hard way" in this journey of making love work together for the past 10+ years. You will also gain insight into both perspectives, from an autistic point of view and a "neurotypical" point of view. What are their most frequent and most entrenched communication struggles? What are the best ways they've found to hack each other's daily communication styles, build long-lasting connection, and understand each other on a deeper level? Sarah and Larry will also share many actionable strategies that can be adapted and applied to your own relationship, such as SOS/trigger words, high and low contexts, nonverbal cues, and reset moments. You will be both inspired and better prepared for the realities of successful communication between people who think and act so differently to each other. You can contact the Nannery's on social media at: www.sarahnannery.com sarahnannery@outlook.com IG & X (Twitter) @sarahnannery LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahfike Facebook: @quirkyandbright You can also learn more communication strategies in the Nannery's book called "What to Say Next: Successful Communication in Work, Life, and Love with Autism Spectrum Disorder"

To learn more about the Neurodivere Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, the Neurodiverse Love Conference videos and the other resources available for individuals or couples in mixed neurotype relationships, check out ⁠Neurodiverse Love. During this episode Grace Myhill, MSW shares several simple but important tools that can help neurodiverse couples communicate better and have more healthy connections. Grace is the Director of Couples and Partner's Services at AANE and the Director of the Peter M. Friedman Neurodiverse Couples Institute at AANE. You can contact Grace at www.gracemyhill.com.

Paul Micallef, a relationship coach and emotional intelligence trainer, specializes in supporting autistic individuals and their partners. He discusses the crucial balance of meeting personal needs versus caring for a partner's quirks. The conversation dives into the importance of self-care, boundary setting, and fostering open communication. Micallef illustrates how understanding each partner's unique needs can enhance intimacy, while also addressing the nature of perpetual conflicts in neurodivergent relationships. Clear strategies for supportive dialogue make for an insightful listen.

Eva Mendes, an expert in autism and ADHD, shares invaluable insights for nurturing happy neurodiverse marriages. She emphasizes the importance of trust, acceptance, and effective communication in relationships. Personal anecdotes highlight how teamwork and ongoing dialogue can deepen connections. Mendes also discusses navigating the complexities of neurodiverse communication and the benefits of premarital therapy, providing practical strategies for couples to embrace and adapt to their unique differences.

To learn more about the Neurodivere Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, the Neurodiverse Love Conference videos and the other resources available for individuals or couples in mixed neurotype relationships, check out ⁠Neurodiverse Love._________________________________________________ Living in a neurodiverse marriage poses unique challenges. This episode includes information on how partners in marriages where one or more partners are on the spectrum can work with Drs. John and Julie Gottman's Sound Relationship House Theory-7 research-based principles for making marriage work to better their relationships. This will include brief, significant strategies partners can use to bridge their differences or build upon friendship, intimacy, and romance; manage conflict and create an even more meaningful relationship. You can learn more about Dr. Michael McNulty at: www.chicagorelationshipcenter.com

To learn more about the Neurodivere Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, the Neurodiverse Love Conference videos and the other resources available for individuals or couples in mixed neurotype relationships, check out ⁠Neurodiverse Love. When sex is an issue in a neurodiverse relationship, it often happens for both common and less common reasons. While sex can be a relationship strength and a reliable source of comfort and connection for neurodiverse relationships, when it's not, understanding why can sometimes be a challenge. In this episode, Dr. Kathy McMahon addresses both universal and neurodiverse specific sexual challeges in these relationships, including initiation and seduction, sexual give and take, pornography, and understanding sex as a "special interest". You can contact Dr. Kathy McMahon at: www.CouplesTherapyInc.com

To learn more about the Neurodivere Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, the Neurodiverse Love Conference videos and the other resources available for individuals or couples in mixed neurotype relationships, check out ⁠Neurodiverse Love.________________________________________________ Do you or have you ever, as a couple or family really thought about your values and what's important to you? What gives you purpose and meaning in life? How do you want to deal with conflict and disagreement? What is your belief system and how does it guide your decisions and behavior? Where are you going as an individual and as a team-what is your destiny? Diving into your values in a meaningful and regular way indicates that you are an intentional couple or family. It is only the intentional couple or family that sustains the storm winds of life. Stressors will come and those that are unprepared are the least likely to withstand the challenges that they bring. In this session, Dr. Lucking will discuss the XYZ system of creating values that drive behavior. This system can be used with couples or families. It's great for parenting as it's simple enough for children but practical enough for adults. Love requires effort and neurodiverse love sometimes requries even more effort. Your effort can be reduced with the right tools and theory. As Mahatma Gandhi said: "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny." You can contact Dr. Lucking at: www.SiliconValleyTherapy.co

Join Stephanie Holmes, a certified autism and neurodiverse marriage specialist, and her husband Dan, a certified master life coach, as they delve into the intricate dynamics of neurodiverse relationships. They discuss the vital distinction between 'wanting to' and 'wanting to want to,' highlighting the need for concrete actions to match intentions. The couple shares insights on navigating expectations for neurotypical and autistic partners, emphasizing humility, teachability, and open communication as keys to growth and healthy connections.

To learn more about the Neurodivere Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, the Neurodiverse Love Conference videos and the other resources available for individuals or couples in mixed neurotype relationships, check out ⁠Neurodiverse Love. _________________________________________________ Reactivity wreaks havoc in Neurodiverse partnerships. It is implicated in the breakdown of connection, communication and skillful conflict and gets in the way of efforts to recover despite both partner's desires and intentions. Jill discusses the role of reactivity and pathways to change your relationship with it. You can learn more about Jill's work at: www.jillcorvelli.com or www.ndpartnerscompass.com