Feeling Crazy? Just how Crazy? Take the Cassandra Syndrome Quiz
- hmotro
- May 2
- 3 min read
There’s a kind of pain that doesn’t show up on the outside.
You’re still functioning. You’re getting through the day. But inside, you’re quietly falling apart.
That’s what Cassandra Syndrome feels like.
The name comes from Greek mythology. Cassandra was given the gift of prophecy—but cursed so that no one would believe her. She could see the truth. She cried out. And she was ignored.
Sound familiar?
You try to connect with your partner. You explain, you ask, you plead. And somehow… they still don’t get it.
You end up feeling invisible.
Like your emotions are too much.
Like you’re the problem for wanting connection.
And over time, something starts to crack.
You begin to lose your sense of self.
You question your reality.
You feel emotionally starved in a relationship that looks fine on the outside.
We see this all the time—especially in couples where one partner may be autistic or otherwise neurodivergent.
It’s not about blaming your partner. It’s about recognizing that you are stuck in a painful cycle that’s eroding your strength.
First, we help you reclaim your sense of self — your voice, your clarity, your wholeness.
Only then can we work on healing the relationship itself, from a place of true stability.
That’s why we created something new.
It’s called the Cassandra Syndrome – Relationship & Identity Distress Scale (CS-RIDS-24).
It’s a short, 5–7 minute self-assessment to help you name what’s happening inside you.
It breaks your experience down into four areas:
💔 Relational Distress The constant ache of not feeling emotionally safe or close.
🧍♀️ Identity Erosion You’re still you—but barely. You can’t find your own voice anymore.
🗣️ Communication & Validation You say the words. They hear something else. And the cycle continues.
💪 Coping & Resilience You’re hanging in there. But it’s costing you more than anyone knows.
Your total score gives you a clear picture of the weight you’re carrying. The four subscale scores help you—and your therapist—know where to begin healing.
This tool was made by our team.
For people like you.
If you’re living in that silent heartbreak…
You’re not being dramatic.
You’re not broken.
And you’re not alone.
We’re here for you—whether you need one-on-one support or want help navigating this together as a couple.
With care,
Harry Motro
Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center and Believing Cassandra
🔦 Spotlight on Heather Emerson-Young
Specialties
Neurodivergent Couples
Autistic Individuals & Family Members
ADHD & Executive Functioning Support
Complex Trauma & PTSD
Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-Parenting Challenges
Parenting Twice Exceptional Children
Identity & Self-Acceptance
Specialist in Neurodiverse Relationships
Life Experience
Lived Experience in a Neurodiverse Marriage
Mother of Two Unique Children – Parenting an 18-year-old and a 13-year-old.
Diverse Educational Background – Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy, degrees in Communication, and a Doctorate in Education
Experience Across Multiple Fields – Over five years in nonprofit work supporting the unhoused, LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals with learning disabilities
Dedicated Educator – Adjunct professor at community college, undergraduate, and graduate levels
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist – Using evidence-based and strength-focused approaches to support clients
Disclaimer: The CS-RIDS-24 is intended for personal reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional support from a licensed therapist. For a deeper understanding of your experience and personalized care, we encourage you to speak with one of our neuro-informed clinicians.
Want to learn more about yourself?
Explore our sister site, Adult Autism Assessment, and take a deeper dive into your journey of self-discovery. Click the links below to get started!
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