NEURODIVERSE COUPLES COUNSELING
UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERSE COUPLES
NEURODIVERSITY MAGNET
Initially, an autistic partner and a neurotypical partner feel a strong initial attraction to each other and couple up.
The neurotypical may be attracted to the autistic partner's stability, focus and intelligence.
The autistic partner may appreciate the neurotypical helping him or her navigate social situations.
The neurotypical may be the autistic partner's special interest, at least during the dating period. Typically, the neurotypical soaks up the attention.
They may view themselves as complementary, a perfect fit - like a "magnet" has pulled them together.
DIFFERENCES TURN INTO DYSFUNCTIONAL PATTERNS
Yet, it is easy for these neurological differences to lead to wires getting crossed. Building and…
THERAPY FOR NEURODIVERSE COUPLES
EMPATHY IS POSSIBLE
Therapists who are not experienced with neurodiversity often tell clients married to autistic adults that their partner cannot feel empathy and cannot truly love. This is dangerous feedback because it is simply not true. Although partners with Autism may process feelings differently, the…