NEURODIVERSE COUPLES COUNSELING UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERSE COUPLES ​ ​​NEURODIVERSITY MAGNET Initially, an autistic partner (Autism Spectrum or "AS") and a neurotypical partner feel a strong initial attraction to each other and couple up. ​ The neurotypical may be attracted to the AS partner's stability, focus and intelligence. The AS partner may appreciate the neurotypical helping him or her navigate social situations. The neurotypical may be the AS 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… Show More Want to Neuro-informed Support? Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info First Name Last name Email Send Thank you! 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 Autistic partners may process feelings differently , the are fully capable of empathy and love. ​ Autistic adults are often shocked to find that their partner’s faith in their love and loyalty could be compromised by a forgotten good-bye or missed eye-contact. Most typical AS clients feel empathy but often need a structured process to receive the feelings from his… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now CHANGE IS POSSIBLE!! When a couple understand their differences and accept them, they will finally stop resisting change. This can feel like a tremendous relief. Even though both partners usually think the other one needs to change, you both will start to make changes that you never expected. This is where most NT partners think, "Yes, I can change but my partner won't." Despite your worry that your AS partner is rigid and focused on himself, most AS clients that we work with will put in tremendous efforts to change in the context of accepting, neuro-informed therapy and the support from his spouse. ​ Please know that autism is NOT a fixed condition that locks someone into the same behaviors throughout life. It is subject to the same forces of change that occur in anyone’s life. Understanding this provides the ray of hope to break painful entrenched patterns of interaction. ​​ Show More < Back Share your story and we'll help you find the right neuro-inormed expert to talk to. First name Last name Email Phone Send Thank you! Previous Next Back to Top