Our Neurodiverse Specialists are ready to help you improve your relationship. Whether one or both of you are Autistic, have ADHD, or are otherwise neurodivergent, we are here to help! < Back Education & Specialties: Neuro-Inclusive Nourishment Specialist Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Aurora University Certified Life Coach, Universal Coach Institute Client Focus: Neurodiverse women Individuals with Autism, ADHD, Highly Sensitive Persons Neurodiverse clients with eating struggles Neurodiverse couples Coaching Modalities: Solution-focused strategies Action planning Mindfulness techniques Motivational interviewing Journaling Cognitive-behavioral techniques My Story Hello, I'm Cassie Clayton. Since 2016, I've dedicated my career to supporting individuals on their journeys to recovery from eating disorders and mental health challenges. My path began as a Recovery Coach, inspired by my own experiences navigating recovery. Recognizing the profound impact of connection and support from those with lived experience, I've committed to helping others share their stories and find healing. Supporting Neurodiverse Couples At the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center, I specialize in working individually with a partner experiencing eating issues that affect their relationship. Understanding the intricate dynamics of neurodiverse partnerships, I provide tailored support to address these challenges. With your consent, I collaborate closely with your neurodiverse couples counselor to ensure our efforts are aligned, promoting healthier eating habits and enhancing relationship satisfaction. Neuro-inclusive Nourishment I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. My empathetic, non-judgmental approach fosters an environment where you can thrive, receiving the encouragement and guidance needed to move forward. I specialize in helping clients articulate their visions, set attainable goals, overcome obstacles, and collaboratively develop actionable plans. In addition to one-on-one support, I've facilitated outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) therapeutic support groups, creating safe spaces for clients to connect, process emotions, and reduce eating disorder behaviors. I prioritize meeting clients where they are and assessing their unique needs, ensuring that each individual receives tailored support throughout their recovery journey. Personalized Care In a world often dominated by diet culture and unrealistic expectations, I advocate for a personalized approach to healing one’s relationship with food and body image. I celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, understanding that there is no 'one size fits all' solution in recovery. With extensive experience working with young adults and adults facing body image issues and disordered eating, I am dedicated to helping you navigate your path to wellness. Whether your struggles have been ongoing or more recent, you deserve compassionate support and understanding. I invite you to share your story with me. Together, we can explore meaningful steps toward your recovery—because even the smallest steps can lead to significant change. Specialty Areas: Eating & Autism, Communication, Autism, ADHD, Emotional Intimacy Cassie Clayton Take an Autism Test

Compassionate guidance and support for Twice Exceptional Children. TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN < Back UNDERSTANDING THE MISUNDERSTOOD: SUPPORTING TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN At our neurodiverse therapy center, we know how deeply our couples care about their twice exceptional (2e) children. These kids possess both exceptional abilities and learning differences, often leading to misunderstandings and mislabeling within society. As it is our desire to support the whole family, we want to help the children too. Thus, some of our team members have specialized in caring for twice exceptional children. These therapists work hard to comprehend the unique challenges faced by 2e children and to provide effective support they need to empower them to thrive. On this page , we explore various aspects of twice exceptionality, shedding light on emotional intensity,… Show More

Gifted, But Struggling in Your Relationships? Do you ever feel like being gifted is a double-edged sword? Your mind races with ideas, your emotions run deep, and yet...relationships feel way harder than they should. That’s because giftedness isn’t just a mental superpower—it’s a full-body experience that can leave you feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or just plain overwhelmed in your relationships. Kind of like having a superpower without the cool cape. At the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center , we get it. Let’s talk about how your giftedness might be affecting your relationships and, more importantly, how we can help you thrive (even without the cape). 🔍 What is Giftedness? Let’s clear up what we mean when we talk about giftedness . Being gifted isn’t just about having a high IQ or excelling in academics. It’s more nuanced than that. Giftedness often shows up as an advanced ability to process and comprehend information quickly, coupled with intense emotional depth and a complex, layered thinking style . Here’s how giftedness typically manifests: Abstract Thinking : You can grasp complex concepts quickly, often seeing connections others miss. (It’s like you’re driving a mental Ferrari while everyone else is in a Prius.) High Sensitivity : Emotionally and sometimes physically, you feel things more deeply than others around you. Early Emotional Awareness : From a young age, you’ve been tuned in to the feelings of others and the world’s injustices. Existential Curiosity : You’re fascinated by the "big questions"—life’s meaning, purpose, and why things work the way they do. (Spoiler alert: no one actually knows why coffee gets cold faster than it should.) But with all these strengths, gifted individuals can struggle with social disconnect , feeling "different" from others, or being overwhelmed by their own internal world. What It Means to Be Gifted and Neurodiverse Giftedness isn't just about being smart. It's about feeling things more intensely , thinking deeper and faster , and having a unique way of interacting with the world. When you combine giftedness with other forms of neurodiversity, like autism or ADHD , the challenges become more complex, especially in relationships. Miscommunications, emotional overload, and feeling like you’re "too much" for others can become everyday hurdles. Sound familiar? 😅 (And yes, your brain probably just processed that faster than mine.) How Giftedness Impacts Relationships Relationships can be tough when you feel like you’re living on another plane— too intense, too deep, or too complex . Many gifted adults find that their relational struggles boil down to: Feeling misunderstood by loved ones. Difficulty managing emotional highs and lows . Conflicts that arise from communication differences . Without the right strategies, these dynamics can erode even the best relationships. 😞 But here’s the good news: we’re here to help. How Our Neuro-Informed Specialists Can Help You Thrive So, how do you transform these challenges into a healthier, more connected relationship? It starts with understanding . But not the generic, “everyone has their struggles” kind. We dive deep into the intricate web of how your unique neurotype interacts with the world around you—and most importantly, with those closest to you. Here’s what we do differently: We don’t just manage emotions; we explore them Emotional regulation isn’t about pushing your feelings into a neat little box. We help you understand the why behind those intense emotions. Why do you experience anger as a flash of heat, or joy as an overwhelming flood? Why does conflict send you spiraling, even when it's not a big deal for others? By unpacking the root of these emotional responses, you can lean into your feelings without them controlling you—or your relationship. We embrace your complexity. Giftedness, ADHD, and autism don’t make you a puzzle to solve. They make you complex, layered, and deeply fascinating . Our specialists don’t simplify your experience—they embrace the intricacies. We help you (and your partner) appreciate that your quick-thinking mind and fast emotional shifts aren’t “problems” to fix but powerful elements of your personality. We help you learn how to channel these traits in a way that deepens your relationships. We don’t shy away from discomfort. Conflict happens. But for neurodiverse couples, it can feel like an earthquake. Instead of avoiding it, we help you recognize that discomfort in a relationship can be a gateway to authentic connection . With the right strategies, those intense moments can bring you closer, not drive you apart. We focus on building emotional agility , so you can face tension without retreating into emotional overwhelm or shutting down. (We promise, it’s better than retreating into Netflix.) We reimagine connection. You don’t need to connect with your partner in a way that feels unnatural or forced. If you’re autistic and prefer logic-driven conversations, that’s valid. If you’re gifted and love abstract, big-picture thinking, that’s valid too. We work with you and your partner to find new ways to meet each other where you are —not where you “should” be. Communication, connection, and intimacy all get a refresh, on your terms. (Because, honestly, who needs one-size-fits-all?) We help you create rituals that work for you. Routine can be grounding for anyone, but for the neurodiverse, it’s essential. We help you and your partner create relationship rituals that honor your need for structure, without feeling rigid or robotic. Whether it’s scheduling regular “decompression” time after a long day or crafting communication habits that feel supportive (not stifling), we help you design rituals that nurture your relationship. We bring curiosity into your relationship. Relationships often falter when we assume we know everything about our partner. We teach you and your partner how to stay curious —to approach each other with a sense of discovery. Instead of seeing differences as hurdles, we encourage you to see them as opportunities to learn more about each other, to grow together in ways that are unexpected and exciting. (Because who doesn’t love a good plot twist?) This isn’t just therapy. It’s an opportunity to redefine how you relate to one another—empowering you to celebrate your unique neurotype and embrace what makes you both special. 🌱 Ready to Transform Your Relationships? If being gifted is leaving you feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your partner, we’ve got the tools to help you. Click here to schedule your first session and start making your giftedness the superpower it’s meant to be, not the thing that holds you back. Warmly, Harry Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT, Clinical Director Founder Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center Want to Meet with Our Client Care Coordinator? Hi, I'm Whitney Pressley, Client Care Coordinator. Let's talk so I can match you with the neurodiverse specialist that's right for you. Schedule with Whitney Think You May be Masking Your Autistic Traits? The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) may be used to identify autistic individuals who do not currently meet diagnostic criteria due to their ability to mask. Take the CAT-Q Test Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

Our Neurodiverse Specialists are ready to help you work on your relationship. Whether one or both of you are Autistic, ADHD'er or otherwise neurodivergent, we are here to help. < Back https://www.pirniatherapy.com/ Education & Licensing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #150408 Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #13526 Bachelor of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University Specialties ADHD Couples Counseling Autistic/Asperger's Couples Counseling Neurodiverse Families & Parenting Neurodiverse Individual Counseling Other Areas of Focus High Achievers, Gifted, and Twice Exceptional Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Tech and Corporate Executives Midlife and Life Transitions First Generation, Immigrants, and Children of Immigrants Trilingual: Farsi (Persian), Spanish, and English Neurodiverse Couples Insurmountable Problems? Being in a relationship where one, or both, partners has a neurodiversity can present unique challenges that may seem insurmountable at times . Perhaps you and your partner have been struggling to connect, and you're not sure how to move forward. You may feel like you're speaking different languages, that your partner doesn't understand you, or that you can't find common ground. I've worked with many couples in similar situations, and I've seen firsthand the toll it can take on both partners and the relationship. One partner may feel like they're always walking on eggshells, trying to avoid triggering their partner's sensitivities, while the other partner may feel like they're constantly being criticized or misunderstood. Communication may break down, leaving both partners feeling frustrated, alone, and disconnected. Perspective Taking to Bridge the Gap With the right support and guidance, it's possible to create a safe and loving partnership that enables each of you to thrive and grow. As a neurodiverse couples’ therapist, my goal is to help you both understand each other's perspectives and needs , and to find ways to bridge the gap between you . I'll work with you to identify areas of strength in your relationship, as well as areas that need improvement. We'll explore strategies to build empathy, trust, and communication skills, and we'll develop tools to manage conflict and build resilience. I approach therapy with a focus on collaboration, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. I believe that each person and relationship is unique, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and feelings without fear of criticism or rejection. I'll work with you to tailor our sessions to your specific needs and goals, and we'll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you both. If you're struggling in your relationship and feel like you're at a crossroads, I encourage you to reach out for support. Together, we can work towards building a stronger, more connected partnership that brings out the best in each of you. Parenting Neurodiverse Children, including ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, OCD, Giftedness, and Twice Exceptional (2e) As a parent, you seek insightful solutions for your unique child rather than labels and generalizations. You may have long recognized that your child differs from other children. Despite seeking answers in parenting books and receiving advice from friends and family members, you have yet to find lasting solutions to your child's behavior. In fact, some of the advice may have even caused setbacks or worked as temporary band-aids, at best. You may be in awe of your child's unique talents in certain areas, but at the same time, perplexed by their inability to complete certain basic tasks. You may observe uneven patterns in your child's development, leaving you uncertain about how to set appropriate expectations. To Push or Back off? You may wonder how much to push your child to their full potential and when that pushing may be jeopardizing their mental health or pushing them farther away. You may notice that teachers, friends, and family unfairly judge your child, leading to a negative impact on their self-esteem and sense of worth. It's possible that you have already enrolled your child in various programs or interventions, but you are still searching for a more comprehensive understanding of how to best support your child and your family. You may be hesitant to seek help, out of concern that a professional may not be able to perceive your child's uniqueness and individuality in the same way that you do. Toll on Relationships Meanwhile, this struggle with meeting your child’s needs can be taking a toll on your relationship with your partner and other children. You’ve been struggling to meet everyone else’s need in the family at the expense of your own and you recognize you need a better strategy. “Beneath every behavior there is a feeling. And beneath every feeling there is a need. And when we meet that need rather than focus on the behavior, we begin to deal with the cause, not the symptom. ” My Approach When working with families, I strive to integrate a personalized, emotion-focused approach with evidence-based research and best practices . This approach allows us to create a meaningful connection and work together towards positive change. I create a comprehensive and tailored plan of action that takes into account your family’s and your child's unique strengths and challenges, without solely relying on labels and diagnoses. I work with parents every step of the way and help them discover the “why” beneath their child’s behavior and guide them toward positive changes. I offer specific guidance to help parents engage with their children in ways that tap into their intrinsic motivation for growth and success. My approach is founded upon evidence-based neuropsychology, curiosity, thoroughness, and clinical integrity, to help your child and the family reach their full potential. In our work together, you will come away with a nuanced and individualized roadmap that is tailored to your child's unique needs, allowing you to make current and future decisions that are suited to their individuality. I am a firm believer that therapy has the power to unlock the world-changing potential of the neurodiverse mind, and I am committed to helping your child achieve their full potential. Read more about our care for Twice-Exceptional Children . Life Experience Licensed Psychotherapist at Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center and Parenting Autism Therapy Center. Working with Dr. Harry Moto, Clinical Director and Founder. Clinical training - The Center for Professional Counseling of Los Angeles. Trained from a psychodynamic, depth-oriented clinical theoretical orientation, integrating alternative modalities as needed such as family systems theory, attachment theory, and CBT/DBT/ACT. Clinical training - Outreach Concern. Work with children, teens, and families as a school-based mental health therapist at multiple school sites. Handle a diverse caseload of students with behavioral, social, emotional, and academic needs. Incorporate a strengths-based orientation to foster academic growth and help students reach their personal potential, both inside and outside the classroom. Graduate Research Associate working alongside Dr. Shelly Harrell in her Culture, Wisdom, and Resilience Lab. My primary focus was the development of a unique application designed specifically for mental health therapists. This innovative tool enables therapists to incorporate quotes from thought leaders into their therapy practices, promoting greater wisdom, insight, and resilience among their clients. Prior President, CFO, COO, and Founder of various tech companies, startups, and non-profit organizations. Learnings from the corporate world helped shape my passion for understanding people’s behaviors, motivations, and drives. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and skill set that I bring to my work as a mental health therapist. Clients Individuals Couples Families Teens/Kids Modalities Psychodynamic/depth-oriented psychology EFT (emotion focused therapy for couples) IFS (internal family systems) CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) including ACT and DBT Family Systems Dynamics Solution focused therapy Specialty Areas: LGBTQIA+, Muslim background, Kink/Poly-Affirmed, Addiction, Assessment, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Teens, ND at Work, Neurodiverse Couples, ADHD, Autism, Buddist - Spiritual, Cassandra Syndrome Support, Discernment, Internal Family Systems, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients Leila Pirnia Take an Autism Test

🔑 The Key to Unlocking Meaningful Conversations in Your Neurodiverse Relationship Hi There, You know that moment when you ask your partner, “How was your day?” and you’re met with...silence? Or maybe a one-word answer? It feels like you're talking AT each other instead of WITH each other. This is a common challenge in neurodiverse relationships—especially when communication styles differ dramatically. The good news? There's a way to bridge the gap by understanding the difference between object-based and social-based conversations . Let’s unpack this and look at real strategies you can use right now to change the dynamic. 💬 What’s the Difference Between Social-Based and Object-Based Conversations? It’s all about how the conversation starts. Understanding the difference can make a huge impact in neurodiverse relationships. Social-Based Conversations are the typical, emotionally driven questions like, “How are you? ” or “ How was your day? ” They focus on emotions and relationships, and for many, they help build closeness. But for some neurodiverse people, these questions feel vague or overwhelming. Object-Based Conversations focus on ideas, facts, or events, like “What did you think of that article?” or “What was your favorite part of the movie?” These questions provide structure and take the pressure off emotionally-driven sharing, making it easier to engage. Why does it matter? For neurodivergent partners, especially those on the autism spectrum, social-based questions can feel too broad or demanding. The pressure to give an emotional answer can lead to shutdowns, withdrawal, or frustration. But with object-based conversations, the focus is external, providing a comfortable, structured way to connect. 🔑 Why It’s Crucial for Neurodiverse Couples Let’s face it—communication in any relationship can be tough, but neurodiverse couples face unique challenges. For example, a question like “How are you feeling?” might feel intrusive or confusing to your neurodiverse partner. However, a question like “What’s your take on that new book?” can spark a meaningful conversation. By recognizing these differences, you’re not just improving conversations—you’re laying the foundation for deeper connection and mutual understanding. 🛠️ What Can You Do About It? Now that you understand the difference between social-based and object-based conversations, let’s dive into real, actionable steps you can take today to improve communication in your relationship. 1. Recognize Communication Patterns 🔍 The first step is awareness. Take a moment to reflect on your recent conversations. Do you lean toward asking broad, emotionally-driven questions? Does your partner often give short or vague answers? Start paying attention to these patterns. Recognizing when conversations stall is the first step to figuring out why. Try this: Keep a mental note of which questions seem to flow easily and which ones create tension or disconnection. 2. Shift to Object-Based Questions 💡 If social-based questions seem to hit a wall, try switching to object-based questions. These focus on facts, ideas, or specific events instead of emotions, making the conversation more structured and easier to engage with. Let’s look at a few sample dialogues : Example 1: The “How Was Your Day?” Trap Social-Based Approach: You: “How was your day?” Partner: “Fine.” (Conversation fizzles.) Object-Based Approach: You: “You had a meeting with the new client today, right? How did that go?” Partner: “Yeah, it was interesting. They had a lot of questions about the project.” (The conversation opens up.) Example 2: Emotional Overload Social-Based Approach: You: “How are you feeling about everything lately?” Partner: “I don’t know… it’s a lot.” (Partner seems overwhelmed, conversation ends.) Object-Based Approach: You: “You’ve been working on that new project—how’s it coming along? Is it what you expected?” Partner: “It’s been challenging but I’m learning a lot. The new software is tough to get used to, though.” (Conversation naturally evolves without pressure.) Example 3: A Specific Movie Social-Based Approach: You: “Did you like the movie?” Partner: “It was okay.” (End of conversation.) Object-Based Approach: You: “That twist at the end of the movie was wild! What did you think of how they pulled it off? ” Partner: “Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that at all! It changed how I saw the whole plot.” (Engagement deepens.) 3. Keep BOTH Styles in Your Toolbox ⚖️ You don’t have to abandon social-based conversations altogether—just learn when and how to use them. The trick is to balance both styles to create opportunities for meaningful connection. If emotions are running high or your partner seems stressed, consider starting with an object-based question to get the conversation rolling before diving into emotional territory. Try this: Start by asking, “What did you think of that meeting?” instead of, “How did the meeting make you feel?” Once the conversation is flowing, your partner may naturally start to share more personal thoughts or feelings. 4. Let Conversations Evolve Naturally 🌱 Object-based conversations can act as stepping stones to deeper emotional sharing. By starting with a neutral topic, you create space for your partner to open up in their own time and comfort zone. For example, you might start with a question about their current project: “How’s the new software coming along at work?” Your partner might respond with a detailed answer, and eventually, they may begin sharing how they feel about their workload or stress levels. Allowing conversations to evolve organically rather than forcing emotional disclosure creates a safer, more relaxed environment for your partner. 5. Set Boundaries Around Emotional Conversations 🚦 Let’s face it—sometimes emotions are just too much. Both you and your partner might need boundaries around when and how emotional conversations take place. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I need a break from this topic, can we revisit it later?” This shows respect for both your emotional needs and your partner’s. Try this: When a social-based conversation feels overwhelming, pivot back to object-based questions or simply agree to pause the conversation and pick it up later. 🤝 How Our Neuro-Informed Specialists Can Help At the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center , we get it—communication is one of the trickiest parts of any relationship, especially when you add in neurodiversity. Our neuro-informed specialists are here to help you: Identify the communication blocks : We’ll work with you to understand why certain conversations lead to withdrawal or frustration. Build tailored conversation strategies : We teach you how to shift your conversation style to meet your partner where they’re most comfortable. Create emotional safety : Our therapists help you establish safe zones for emotional conversations while using object-based questions to build trust. Promote long-term communication success : We focus on helping you and your partner learn communication techniques that strengthen your bond over time. We’ll show you how to move from frustration to flow by harnessing the power of conversation strategies that work for your unique relationship. 🔍 Quick Tip: Ask Better Questions Want an easy way to start improving your conversations right now? Swap out broad, emotional questions with object-based ones: Instead of “How was your day? Try “Did anything interesting happen at work today?” Instead of “How are you feeling? Try “What’s been on your mind lately?” These small shifts can make a meaningful difference. ✨ Take the Next Step Feeling stuck in your conversations doesn’t mean your relationship is stuck. Let our specialists guide you toward a better way of connecting, starting today. Whether you’re navigating neurodiversity or simply looking to improve your communication skills, we’re here to help. Until next time, Harry Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT, Clinical Director Founder Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center Want to Meet with Our Client Care Coordinator? Hi, I'm Whitney Pressley, Client Care Coordinator. Let's talk so I can match you with the neurodiverse specialist that's right for you. Schedule with Whitney Think You Might Be on the Autism Spectrum? The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) can give you valuable insight about whether or not you meet the criteria for autism. Take the AQ Test Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

You’ve seen top 10 lists before. You might roll your eyes. Too generic. Too fluffy. Doesn’t apply. We get it. But this one’s different. It’s built for your relationship. A neurodiverse relationship. The Big 10 for Neurodiverse Relationships Don’t assume silence means disinterest. Sometimes it means overload. Ask, don’t guess. Fight the confusion, not each other. You’re wired differently, not broken. Say what you really mean. Neurotypical hints don’t work here. Take breaks when you’re flooded. Then come back. Always come back. Ask for the connection you need. Don’t wait for it to show up by magic. Celebrate your partner’s effort, not just results. What looks small may be huge. Touch…if it’s wanted. Check first. Respect sensory needs. Ask, “What makes today easier?” Daily micro-tweaks beat grand fixes. Goals and dreams can look different. But they still need to be shared. Choose kindness before clarity. You can always explain more later. We could spend a full session on each one. And maybe we will. But you may not even need us. Pick one a day. Sit with it. Let it shift the way you show up. That one small change? It might change everything. Harry Motro Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center Get Matched with a Therapist 🔦 Spotlight on Shea Davis Specialties Neurodiverse Couples Cassandra Syndrome Support Communication Addiction, Trauma, Betrayal Recovery Blended Families Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse) Emotionally Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Personal Experience Lived 24 Years in a Neurodiverse Marriage. I know the highs and heartbreaks of a relationship where love is real—but miscommunication is constant. That lived experience grounds the way I support couples navigating similar dynamics. Parented a Brilliant, Struggling Neurodivergent Son. As a mom and advocate, I learned to interpret, adapt, and create safety for a child the world didn’t always understand. That shaped my deep respect for nervous system differences and co-regulation. Rebuilt After Addiction, Trauma & Betrayal. I’ve walked through collapse and come out the other side—with hard-earned insight into recovery, boundaries, and how to rebuild relationships rooted in mutual safety. Learn more about Shea! © 2025 New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of these statements may be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any form without explicit written permission from the New Path Family of Therapy Centers. 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! Autism Screeners ADHD Screeners Tests Related to Autism & ADHD General Screeners Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

Autism & Eating CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES, AND UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION. We are here to provide affirming and effective support for neurodivergent people around food and eating. Whether you are autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive, sensory processing differences, seizure disorders, OCD or otherwise identify as neurodivergent, you are in the right place. STRUGGLING WITH EATING We are here to help you/your loved one with food struggles like: Skipping meals Forgetting to eat Overwhelm/avoidance with grocery shopping General anxiety around eating Shame or guilt around eating Negative thought patterns around eating Negative thought patterns around body size/shape Feeling gross in your body during/after eating GI problems causing fear with eating Pain with eating or after eating Underfueling in athletics Binge eating Throwing up after eating Using exercise to compensate for eating Unable to eat enough due to fear of weight gain Unable to eat enough due to fear of vomiting or choking Poor appetite Lack of motivation to prepare food or eat food Obsessive thoughts or behaviors around food Anxiety around going out to restaurants Anxiety around family or social gatherings that involve eating Hiding food/hiding eating VULNERABLE, NOT BROKEN We are here to remind you/your loved one that… You are not broken. It’s common for neurodivergent people to get out of balance with eating. It doesn’t mean anything negative about you as a person. Neuro-different people are vulnerable to developing persistent problematic patterns with eating because of: differences in the nervous system, brain and body, and the impact of being a neuro-different person in a neurotypical world. These vulnerabilities include: Challenges with the practical aspects of eating due to: differences in executive functioning like time management and planning, differences in focus (like getting stuck in project mode and forgetting to eat), differences in motivation and reward pathways and differences in sleep/wake cycles. Challenges with identifying hunger cues due to differences in interoceptive awareness, body awareness and body attunement. Needs for specific foods and eating environments due to sensory differences, social differences and physical sensitivities. Overall higher anxiety and fear around food due to nervous system tendencies toward hypoarousal or hyperarousal, pain or GI distress with eating or after eating, and/or eating needs being unmet, invalidated, mocked or pathologized. Vulnerability to be influenced by parents, social media, athletic coaches or culture at large to follow restrictive diets due to pressure to ‘perform normalcy’ to be safe and accepted and the high drive to be good, excel at sports and/or optimize health. Vulnerability to become stuck in persistent problematic patterns with food due to the safety, familiarity and coping mechanisms these patterns can provide for a neurodivergent person dealing with loneliness, overwhelm, overload, rejection sensitivity, alexithymia, emotional processing differences, and feelings of inadequacy. Likelihood of failure or harm in traditional one-size-fits-all eating disorder treatment approaches that are not designed for neurodivergent people and lead to worsening issues with food and increased shame and hopelessness. HERE TO HELP Eating issues are rough. You deserve individualized support that actually helps you. We are here to support you/your loved one… CLIENT FOCUS Individuals (16+) in one-on-one therapy Couples where food/eating/body image is impacting the relationship Parent(s) seeking support to help their child (tween, teen or young adult) with food and eating. ABOUT US We are a team of clinicians dedicated to helping neurodivergent people struggling with food and eating. While there are common themes that we see with neurodivergent folks and eating, each of our clients is unique . We are eager to learn about your individual story and experiences with food. We draw upon a range of approaches including CBT/DBT, relational therapy, narrative therapy, somatic therapy, internal family systems, social justice focused therapy and family based treatment. We figure out together what works for you. Further Help If you’re seeking additional resources and specialized support for autism & eating, we invite you to visit our sister site, Eat Autism Therapy . At Eat Autism Therapy, our therapists focus on listening to your story & your journey with eating. Together we build an individualized plan for Eating Recovery as a neurodiverse person. We use your autistic strengths and traits to your advantage on your path to eating freedom. Visit the site to learn more about our services and how Eat Autism Therapy can make a difference in your life. Eat Autism Therapy Site! Meet with our Client Care Coordinator Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

Hello Neurodiverse Couples Community! 🌈 Think you understand autism? What if there’s another way to see it? Could it be a framework rooted in how our brains work moment-to-moment? Predictive processing is a fascinating model that shows how we all, autistic or not, navigate the world by creating internal “blueprints” or expectations. These mental maps help us anticipate what’s coming, sparing us from reinterpreting every situation from scratch. For autistic individuals, these blueprints can be especially detailed, offering stability but also creating challenges when the world doesn’t line up. Watch or listen instead of reading — this video covers the same topic in a more personal, conversational way. Educational use only — not therapy or advice. Therapy for CA residents · Coaching worldwide. If in crisis, call 988 (U.S.) 🔍 What is Predictive Processing? At its core, predictive processing is the brain’s way of making sense of the world by forming mental “blueprints” based on past experiences and current sensory information. Everyone’s brain operates this way. Here’s how it works: The brain starts with a hypothesis about what’s likely to happen, drawing from previous experiences and the current context. Then, as sensory information comes in , it compares reality to the blueprint, looking for alignment. When there’s a prediction error — a mismatch between expectation and experience—the brain adjusts its internal model, gradually improving accuracy for future predictions. This prediction process helps us avoid the exhausting task of re-evaluating each new experience from scratch, saving energy and helping us move smoothly through life. For autistic individuals, these mental maps tend to be highly detailed and specific, creating a strong sense of stability but also less flexibility when unexpected events arise. This approach is both adaptive and protective; by continually refining its “blueprint,” the brain creates a sense of predictability in a world that might otherwise feel overwhelming. Understanding these blueprints can help partners communicate and interact in ways that feel safe, supportive, and genuinely aligned with each other. 🌐 Predictive Processing in Action: A Real-Life Example Imagine you and your autistic partner plan to meet friends at a new restaurant. Here’s how their brain might process this experience through three possible “vectors”: Physical Experience Matches the Blueprint: Your partner anticipates a quiet restaurant, familiar food, and a small group of friends. When reality aligns with this expectation, they feel calm, their internal blueprint stays steady, and the experience is positive. Experience Deviates Within Tolerance: The restaurant is a bit noisier than expected, or there’s a delay in seating. While these details don’t perfectly match their mental map, they’re still within a “zone of tolerance.” These small variations are manageable, and their blueprint can adjust, allowing the overall experience to stay comfortable. Experience Challenges the Blueprint: Now imagine the restaurant is crowded, music is loud, and the menu is unfamiliar. This situation directly conflicts with their blueprint, which can feel jarring or overwhelming. Their brain struggles to reconcile these differences, leading to anxiety or withdrawal as they try to process the experience. For autistic individuals , these mental maps are often very specific, and the world is examined in finer detail, and with heightened sensitivity to sensory input. Large deviations from the mental blueprint can lead to overload or frustration. And, for their partners, understanding these reactions as part of a finely tuned map helps partners create more supportive and understanding interactions. 💡 How Predictive Processing Challenges Traditional Autism Views Traditional approaches to autism often focus on observable traits—like social challenges or repetitive actions—and view these as isolated behaviors to “manage.” Predictive processing shifts the focus inward, showing how behaviors reflect an internal logic. Instead of viewing these behaviors as “quirks,” we start asking: “How does this person’s unique blueprint provide stability in a complex world?” This perspective encourages a new kind of respect for each person’s natural mental structure, guiding us to support these patterns rather than attempt to change them. 🛠️ Practical Interventions: Putting Predictive Processing to Work Our neuro-informed specialists understand how predictive processing shapes your relationship. With this understanding, we design interventions that embrace and work with each partner’s unique blueprint, enhancing connection. Mapping Communication Styles: Everyone’s mental map is different, and uncovering each partner’s communication style is key. We help you both understand these maps so you can communicate in ways that resonate, without feeling forced or uncomfortable. Routine Flexibility & Adaptation: Routines offer a sense of stability, particularly for autistic individuals, but flexibility is essential too. We work with couples to craft routines that provide predictability without feeling rigid, balancing the needs of both partners. Emotional Calibration Based on Predictive Maps: Emotions often reflect how much a situation matches or deviates from each person’s mental blueprint. We teach couples how to recognize and adjust to each other’s emotional cues, bringing alignment without misunderstandings. Making Detail Focus a Tool for Clarity: Many autistic individuals notice specific details that others might overlook. We help partners use these details to enhance communication and add depth to their conversations, seeing this focus as a strength. Creating Safe Predictive Spaces: Establishing predictable, shared “safe spaces”—whether routines, rituals, or specific activities—grounds the relationship, helping both partners feel secure within the relationship even amid external changes. Aligning Expectations & Checking In: Misaligned expectations can create frustration. Our specialists guide you in regular check-ins, allowing each partner to align their mental maps and navigate experiences together with trust and openness. 🧭 Ready to Explore the Depths of Your Relationship? Imagine if understanding each other wasn’t about “fixing” but about uncovering the hidden logic behind your partner’s world. Are you ready to see their experiences in a new way—and let them see yours? When you’re ready, our neuro-informed specialists will be there to help. Warmly, Harry Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT, Clinical Director Founder Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center 🔦 Spotlight on Nancy Rushing If your relationships or personal journey feel overwhelmed by the complexities of neurodiversity, Nancy Rushing is the specialist who truly understands the nuances of being both an HSP and navigating life with ADHD. With her lived experience as a neurodivergent individual and a parent of two highly sensitive children, Nancy brings a compassionate, firsthand perspective to her work, helping clients feel seen and supported. Nancy’s superpower? She uncovers the deeper emotional patterns and attachment needs that shape relationships and individual experiences, whether you’re navigating anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or the unique dynamics of neurodiverse partnerships. With her integrative therapeutic approach, Nancy combines evidence-based modalities like CBT, EFT, and trauma-informed care to tailor sessions to your unique challenges. Together, you’ll discover tools to break free from repetitive cycles, gain clarity and confidence, and build relationships that honor both individuality and connection . Contact Nancy Today! Want to Meet with Our Client Care Coordinator? Hi, I'm Whitney Pressley, Client Care Coordinator. Let's talk so I can match you with the neurodiverse specialist that's right for you. Schedule with Whitney Think You May be Masking Your Autistic Traits? The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) may be used to identify autistic individuals who do not currently meet diagnostic criteria due to their ability to mask. Take the CAT-Q Test Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

ADHD in relationships Why do couples impacted by ADHD fight so often? Because missed responsibilities, forgotten promises, and poor follow-through wear both partners down. One feels unsupported. The other feels constantly criticized.Resentment builds. So why does the non-ADHD partner feel so overburdened? They often pick up the slack. They become the “responsible one.” They carry the weight of bills, chores, schedules. When they ask for help, they may be met with defensiveness or inaction. Over time, exhaustion turns into loneliness. And what about the ADHD partner? They live with shame, overwhelm, and feelings of inadequacy. When failure feels inevitable, withdrawal seems safer than trying again. That avoidance damages intimacy. Not because they don’t care—but because their brain is wired differently. What patterns show up most often? The parent/child imbalance. The “always in trouble” dynamic. The cycle where one enforces and the other resists. Research shows these roles cause frustration, burnout, and disconnection. So what is a boundary or strategy that actually works? It’s not nagging harder.It ’s not “trying harder.”It’s ADHD-sensitive tools.Like the visitor-based method . How the visitor-based method works This technique is based on a simple principle: "Just show up first, then decide". Decide on a task. Select a single item to focus on, such as a work assignment, a chore, or a personal project. Make a "visit." Approach the task and commit to working on it for a short, non-intimidating period of time. This can be as brief as a single deep breath or a few seconds. Decide what's next. After this short period, you have the agency to decide whether to continue working on the task or to walk away. Repeat as needed. If you decide to walk away, plan another "visit" for the next day. Preferably one that is at least slightly longer than the last. Knowing you have the ability to abandon the task at any time decreases the pressure, and each interaction with the task, no matter how small, is considered a success. ] Not sure if it’s ADHD? Our quick guide makes it easy to explore. Worried they’ll “visit” and not follow through? Use guardrails so both partners feel safe. Track visits in a shared place that’s visible. Agree on a same-time daily check-in that is factual, not critical. Define a fallback if three tasks are missed (for example, swap tasks, co-work for 10 minutes, or pick a smaller version). Celebrate progress; escalate only if the agreed guardrails are repeatedly skipped. Why does therapy help? Because ADHD is a brain difference, not a moral failing. Couples need new rules of engagement—shared responsibility, kindness, and tailored strategies. Therapy interrupts destructive cycles. It restores partnership. And it replaces blame with teamwork. So here’s the bottom line. ADHD doesn’t have to mean endless conflict. But you can’t white-knuckle your way out of these patterns. Lasting change takes new tools, new agreements, and a team-based approach. If ADHD is hurting your relationship, we can help you build something different. [Click here to schedule a session today] Harry Motro Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center © 2025 New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of these statements may be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any form without explicit written permission from the New Path Family of Therapy Centers. 🔦 Spotlight on Jamison Haase Specialties Neurodiverse Couples Autism, ADHD Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse) Trauma-Informed Emotional Regulation Attachment Communication Family Conflict Emotional Intimacy Life Experience Grew up in rural Minnesota in a home marked by silence, shame, and hidden struggles—later reframed by a late ADHD diagnosis that brought clarity and compassion. Spent 25 years in Hollywood as an actor and coach, learning to read subtext, hold space, and guide people to find their authentic voice. Now raising two energetic kids in a neurodiverse marriage, living the daily realities of sensory storms, parenting trials, and the resilience that comes from building systems that celebrate difference. Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT # 151355, Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Get Booked with Jamison! 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! Autism Screeners ADHD Screeners Tests Related to Autism & ADHD General Screeners References Ek, A., & Isaksson, G. (2013). How adults with ADHD get engaged in and perform everyday activities. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 20 (4), 282–291. https://doi.org/10.3109/11038128.2013.799226 Ginapp, C. M., Greenberg, N. R., Macdonald-Gagnon, G., Angarita, G. A., Bold, K. W., & Potenza, M. N. (2023). The experiences of adults with ADHD in interpersonal relationships and online communities: A qualitative study. SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, 3, 100223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100223 Knies, K., Bodalski, E. A., & Flory, K. (2021). Romantic relationships in adults with ADHD: The effect of partner attachment style on relationship quality. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38 (1), 42–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407520953898 Konrad, K., & Eickhoff, S. B. (2010). Is the ADHD brain wired differently? A review on structural and functional connectivity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Human Brain Mapping, 31 (6), 904–916. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.21058 Robbins, C. A. (2005). ADHD couple and family relationships: Enhancing communication and understanding through Imago Relationship Therapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61 (5), 565–577. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20120 Wymbs, B. T., Canu, W. H., Sacchetti, G. M., & Ranson, L. M. (2021). Adult ADHD and romantic relationships: What we know and what we can do to help. Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 47 (3), 664–681. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12475 Zeides Taubin, D., & Maeir, A. (2023). “I wish it wasn’t all on me”: women’s experiences living with a partner with ADHD. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46 (14), 3017–3025. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2239158 Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

At first glance, it sounds alarming. A 450% increase in autism diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34. Back in 2011, only about 91,000 adults in that age group had received a diagnosis. * In 2022, that number was more than 500,000 . Really!? Are autistic people multiplying like rabbits? Or is there something in the environment that is causing autism? Or are more people finally being seen? Here’s the truth: This isn’t an epidemic. The growth is a result of long-overdue recognition. For decades, autistic adults—especially women, BIPOC individuals, and those with “internalized” traits—were misdiagnosed or missed entirely. They spent years masking, struggling, over-explaining, and burning out—without a name for what they were carrying. If you're curious, our autism screeners are a good place to start. And for couples, that recognition can change everything. Because when one partner is neurodivergent—and neither of you knows it—misunderstandings multiply. 💔 One partner feels disconnected. 💔 The other feels constantly criticized. 💔 Small moments turn into spirals. 💔 Both partners become the worst versions of themselves! But once the true dynamic is named, the blame and shame slowly melt away. What felt like emotional distance starts to look like sensory overload. What looked like shutdown starts to make sense as a nervous system needing recovery. What felt like rejection gets reframed as a missed signal—not a lack of love. Finally healing is possible. It’s not about fixing each other. It’s about finally understanding each other. And that’s the power of recognition. If you're wondering whether neurodivergence might be part of your story—yours or your partner’s—we’re here. We offer free autism screeners , in-depth autism assessments , individual support , and neuro-informed couples therapy . You’re not broken. You’re not alone. We can't wait to hear from you ! With clarity and care, Harry Motro Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center an d Adult Autism Assessment Center Take the First Step to Self-Discovery 🔦 Spotlight on Dre Meller Specialties AuDHD, Autism, ADHD Sex/Physical Intimacy Emotional Regulation Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse) Blended Families, Brainspotting Emotionally Focused Therapy LGBTQIA+ Communication Emotional Intimacy Trauma-Informed Personal Experience AuDHD (Autistic + ADHD) therapist with firsthand experience navigating neurodivergence In a 21-year relationship with autistic partner; raising four neurodivergent children (ages 6–30) Provides a safe, non-masking space where clients can explore relationships, identity, and life on their terms Learn more about Dre! * Note : Autism diagnosis figures are based on a reported 450% increase among U.S. adults aged 26–34 between 2011 and 2022, as documented in the study “ Autism Diagnosis Among US Children and Adults, 2011–2022 ” published in JAMA Network Open (2024). Population estimates used to calculate absolute numbers are based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2022, which places the U.S. population at approximately 332 million, with 13.7% (about 45.5 million people) aged 26–34. 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! Autism Screeners ADHD Screeners Tests Related to Autism & ADHD General Screeners Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

Our Neurodiverse Specialists are ready to help you work on your relationship. Whether one or both of you are Autistic, ADHD'er or otherwise neurodivergent, we are here to help. < Back Stephen is a creative, dedicated, and passionate therapist with a background in behavioral health, education, and social services. He has wide-ranging experience working with people in all stages of life, helping them to become happier and healthier as individuals, in couples, and in families. He integrates art therapy to enable couples to connect emotionally and intimately. Strength, resiliency, and connection are essential elements of a lasting, satisfying, and harmonious relationship. Stephen believes that these are the building blocks for healing, forgiveness, and positive progress. He provides a safe, nurturing, and judgement-free space where couples can explore resolutions to a current problem, prevent an exacerbation of problems, or simply provide support for a couple experiencing a period of transition or increased stress. Stephen facilitates the discovery of fresh energy to create a healthy emotional connection. His approach is nurturing , thus enabling clients to engage with the healing power of their own personal symbols. This entails fostering self-agency to empower them to leverage their positive qualities in order to become more free, powerful, happy, and healthy. In addition to strength-based work, his therapeutic approach is trauma-informed in order to support clients in their process of trauma integration and healing. He provides treatment that activates the body, mind, and brain with expressive methods that are engaging and empowering. Stephen has worked with people of diverse culture and ethnicity. He brings the ability to relate to clients with authentic knowledge and sensitivity to culture and ethnicity. In particular, he has experience with interracial couples. NEURODIVERSE RELATIONSHIPS: Expertise Stephen offers expertise in supporting your unique neurodiverse relationship. He empathizes with the often-challenging themes that give rise to relationship stress: the dearth of emotional reciprocity and the challenge of maintaining meaningful balance with your partner and others in your life. Stephen provides a safe space enable you to share your feelings and expectations. He believes the willingness to improve communication and to be open to be open to managing expectations and finding solutions becomes the foundation of increasing trust in your relationship. Compassion and Insight Stephen presents a compassionate and understanding approach to neurodiverse couples’ therapy. This enables you both to gain fresh understanding and perspective. He helps nurture awareness in each partner of their own individual patterns, from these insights he invites adjustments to enable both partners to get more out of their relationship. The neurotypical partner gains insight that the neurodiverse retreat into safe behaviors and routine, is not a rejection but is a consequence of the Defense Mode. The defense mode being one hallmark coping strategy of the neurodiverse individual. Stephen supports the neurotypical partner process feelings of abandonment, frustration, and grief. Catharsis and forgiveness in both partners enable openness to positive feelings and increased self-esteem. Making Sense of Neurodiversity It is important that you both make sense of your neurodivergent partner’s behaviors. You may have pondered why anxiety can be a problem for your neurodiverse partner. Stephen shows you how anxiety can lead to impulsivity, melt-downs, rage, and withdrawal, all negatively impacting the relationship. More importantly he supports you both to strategize, problem-solve and better connect to make progress on the challenges to your special relationship. Fresh Perspectives By offering a fresh perspective, Stephen helps you both positively revaluate your relationship. He offers structure and effective tools to use, this enables reengagement and motivation for your partnership. Such understanding enables collaboration to use your combined strengths and resilience. Stephen believes that neurodiverse people have numerous assets such as loyalty, honesty, intelligence, strong values, the ability to work hard, generosity, and humor. He is passionate in using these qualities to bring you closer together. Communication Stephen supports effective communication and step-by-step actions to grow the loving connection you both deserve. This sensitive, nurturing process, enables neurodiverse individuals and their partners to feel supported in dealing with their communication challenges. The discontent in neurodiverse partnerships that comes from the lack of initiation of connection will be assuaged by enabling you both to safely verbalize your needs. Stephen’s will work with you on a relationship schedule. Your relationship schedule will ensure quality time is set aside to meet both your needs. Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity): Children Couples’ relationships Separation and Divorce Parent and child conflicts Depression and Anxiety Trauma and Stress Grief and loss and shame Forgiveness and Self-forgiveness Modalities: Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy Clients: Couples and Families, Adults, Adolescents, Children License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #149714 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty Areas: Autism, Neurodiverse Couples, Emotional Intimacy, Trauma-Informed, Communication, Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy, Accepting New Individual Clients Only Stephen Robertson Take an Autism Test

Autistic Men FROM SHAME TO ACCEPTANCE “Normal is an ideal. But it’s not reality. Reality is brutal, it’s beautiful, it’s every shade between black and white, and it’s magical. Yes, magical. Because every now and then, it turns nothing into something.” ― Tara Kelly, Harmonic Feedback FIRST PRIORITY Our first priority is to be able to see the beauty of our differences . This journey may require rethinking a life of experiencing negative messages from society. This rethinking process must operate in the background of all the more tactical work that is done as it is critical to be able to show up in a way that is less defensive and more whole. SECOND PRIORITY Once this primary work is underway, a secondary goal of many of our autistic clients is to increase the ability to meet the needs of the neurotypical partner AND, at the same time, stay true to himself . It is a delicate balance, one that our therapy team will support you in. Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel EXAMPLE THERAPY ROADMAP When we work together, we will review the list below and together construct a session-by-session roadmap of our work together. STRENGTHS Identify your strengths and build a plan on how to leverage them in your relationship. Make peace with your Asperger traits. SENSORY PROCESSING Understand your sensory processing system. In basic terms, your sensory processing system is how your brain detects, prioritizes, and remembers what is happening around you and inside of you. Explore strategies to manage your sensory sensitivities so you can express them to your partner and build a management plan together. Learn ways to recognize, decompress, and communicate with your partner when you reach sensory overload/overwhelm and enter " defense mode". NON-LITERAL THINKING Learning alternatives to literal thinking and deciphering non-verbal communication . Executive Function Addressing executive function issues which may exist. “Tuning out” is a typical coping strategy of an autism profile. When this happens, one's partner understandably does not feel acknowledged or listened to. We explore lots of ways to address the needs of both partners to increase connection without overwhelming either partner. More specifically, we typically work on: Planning and organization skills Initiating tasks Multi-tasking versus one task at a time Self-monitoring Completing undesirable tasks Setting and communicating timetables We're here to help. Contact Us Now! PARTNERSHIP MINDSET Shifting one's worldview from a “ bachelor state of mind” to one of partnership or parent. Clearly identify differences in your primary relationship and ways to bridge the gap. Set your relationship goals that are consistent with your values and identity Prioritize Change Identify the absolutely most important behaviors and/or traits you want to work on because they are valuable to both of you (not all of them!). CONCRETE ACTION PLAN Build a plan to break goals into understandable concrete steps and a timetable for action that does not feel pressured. Determine the best approach for each skill/goal ; whether to learn by rote, by deeper understanding or by trial and error. Have a social skills mentor / accountability partner (not your partner!) Practice, practice, practice Learn how to collect and accept feedback (without freaking out or feeling shame, criticism or defensiveness). Once you've met initial goals, add a long-term maintenance plan to your roadmap. Learn to genuinely enjoy the journey. The efforts put in by the autistic partner are usually greatly appreciated by the neurotypical partner. That is why integrated therapy (couples plus individual therapy) can be so powerful. Wondering if you have Autistic traits? Curious about how autism may shape your experiences as a man? Take our Autism Screener to explore traits, gain insights, and access resources tailored to your unique strengths and challenges. The button below will take you to our sister site, Adult Autism Assessment . There, you'll be able to take our Free Online Adult Autism Screener and gain further insight. Adult Autism Screener In addition to support from the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center, we now have a site, Therapy 4 Autistic Men , dedicated to the unique needs of autistic men. Here, we: provide autism-focused & neurodivergent-affirming therapy help you feel safe, supported, and heard with compassion work with you to reduce anxiety, depression, masking & autistic burnout help with Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (diagnosis available) work to lift self-esteem offer solutions for family conflict share strategies for work or school support for LGBTQIA+, transgender, nonbinary, and BIPOC clients offer support groups to help men find serenity and reduce frustration Our team members are: autistic and allistic (both perspectives can be helpful), men and women (yes, some of our male clients prefer a female therapist), athiest, agnostic, spiritual, people with deep faith, and single, divorced, in a committed relationship and married. Please feel free to get in touch via our contact form . Meet with our Client Care Coordinator Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

As a neurodiverse couples therapist, I often hear: "I’m pretty sure my husband is autistic. We’ve tried regular couples therapy and it bombed. He gets mad when I suggest he might be autistic. I feel lonely and desperate for help. What should I do?" 😔 I get it—regular couples was painful for both of you. You're pretty sure he’s not going anywhere near therapy again. But, for some reason, you haven’t given up. So how do I pull him in? How to Get Him on Board 1. Pick Your Moment : Don’t drop this on him when he’s in the middle of his latest hobby deep- dive or when you’re already bickering. Find a chill time when you’re both relaxed. 🕒 2. Highlight the Expertise: Emphasize that the therapist specializes in neurodiverse couples, so he or she understands our unique challenges and strengths. 🧠 3. Focus on Specific Goals: This will not be open ended therapy going nowhere. Talk about the specific goals you both want to achieve, like better communication, less conflict, and more understanding. Therapy is a tool to reach those goals. 🎯 4. Respect His Feelings : Acknowledge that it’s tough to consider therapy, especially if previous experiences were negative. Show that you respect his feelings and are seeking a new approach together. 🤝 5. Small Initial Commitment : Suggest meeting the therapist for just ONE session to see if there is a good fit. Sometimes, just meeting the therapist can alleviate fears or misconceptions. 🛋️ 6. Cost-Benefit Analysis : Compare a 10% increase in happiness for decades to a few hours of failed couples therapy. ⚖️ 7. Respect Autonomy : Reassure him that therapy is NOT about changing who he is, but understanding each other better and finding strategies that work for both of you. 🌟 8. Address Misconceptions : Clear up any misconceptions he might have about therapy. It’s not about laying blame or rehashing past issues—it’s about moving forward positively. 🌈 What’s Actually Different About Neurodiverse Couples Therapy? 1. Therapist Training: Our therapists are trained in neurodiversity and won’t shame, blame, or try to change the autistic or ADHD partner. You’ll both be on the same footing, and it’s about equality and understanding. 👩🏫🤝 2. Decoding Neurodiversity: Our therapist will break down the patterns that show up in a neurodiverse relationship in a way that makes sense. It’s like getting the user manual for your interactions. 📘🧩 3. Rebuilding Communication: You’ll learn how to rebuild communication that takes your brain differences into account. 🗣️💡 4. Sensory Stuff: Our therapists will help you address any sensory sensitivities and how these impact your day-to-day life. It’s like figuring out why certain things drive him nuts and finding workarounds. 👂 5. Emotional & Logic Connection: You’ll work on understanding each other’s emotional and logical perspectives. It’s about figuring out how to connect both hearts and minds, ensuring you’re on the same page emotionally and logically. We won’t prioritize emotions over logic. Both are important!! 💖🧠 6. Real Tools : You’ll get practical tools and exercises to use at home. It’s not just talk—it’s about making real changes that you’ll actually notice. 🛠️🏠 Ready to Give It a Try? Popping the question about couples therapy can be super tough. It's like proposing all over again, but for the sake of your relationship's health. Are you ready to give it a try? 😊 Let's take the first step together. You can book a couple session or book an individual session just to talk about how to ask your partner. We'll figure it out together, and you won't be alone in this. You got this! 💪 Until next time, Harry Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT, Clinical Director Founder Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center Want to Meet with Our Client Care Coordinator? Hi, I'm Whitney Pressley, Client Care Coordinator. Let's talk so I can match you with the neurodiverse specialist that's right for you. Schedule with Whitney Do You Have Trouble Identifying & Expressing Emotions? Want to see if your behavior is consistent with alexithymia? We invite you to visit the Adult Autism Assessment Site and Take the Alexithymia Test Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

At first glance, those "Bedroom Rules" might seem playful or sexy. But if you’re autistic—or in a relationship with someone who is—they can feel more like a test you didn’t study for. “Tease each other?” What does that actually mean? “Keep a steady pace?” Based on whose rhythm? “Don’t be afraid to experiment?” What if new things feel overwhelming? For many autistic adults, these kinds of open-ended instructions feel confusing, stressful, or even shame-inducing. And for their partner, it can feel lonely—like they’re not being met emotionally or intimately. Both people want to connect. But the rules aren’t working. That’s why we created the Autistic Sexual Intimacy Measure (ASIM‑24). The questions touch on topics most people never talk about. You’ll see statements like: “I avoid conversations about sex because they feel too complicated.” “Certain textures or smells can distract me during intimacy.” “I sometimes say yes to sexual activity even when I’m uncomfortable.” “I worry my direct way of speaking sounds rude when I discuss sex.” It takes about 5–7 minutes—and it can be a turning point. This isn’t just information. It’s a roadmap. When you complete the ASIM‑24 , you’ll receive a total score that reflects your overall comfort and confidence with sexual intimacy. But you’ll also get four separate scores—covering sexual knowledge, sensory comfort, consent and boundaries, and relationship communication. This helps you see where you’re thriving and where you might want to grow. Understanding your intimacy profile can shift everything. Instead of guessing what’s wrong or blaming yourself (or your partner), you’ll have a clearer picture of how your brain and body approach intimacy—and how to move forward with more confidence and care. Take the ASIM‑24 now And if you'd like support as you explore your results, our neuro-informed specialists are here to help you connect the dots. 👉 Schedule a session with us Wishing you clarity, confidence, and connection—in and out of the bedroom, Harry Motro Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center P.S. Next week, we’re diving into ADHD and sex—why it can be thrilling, frustrating, or both. Get Matched with a Therapist 🔦 Spotlight on Maring Higa Specialties Autism, ADHD, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse) Blended Families Somatic Therapies IFS EFT Trauma Neurodiverse Couples Personal Experience Lived through a neurodiverse marriage that ended in divorce, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges of misaligned communication, emotional rhythms, and unmet needs. Over a decade into a new, hard-earned partnership, navigating the ongoing work of blending families, healing old wounds, and choosing connection over comfort—even when it’s hard. Brings real-world empathy to couples work, shaped by personal experience with both disconnection and deep repair, offering grounded support instead of quick fixes. Learn more about Maring! © 2025 New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of these questionnaires may be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any form without explicit written permission from the New Path Family of Therapy Centers. 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! Autism Screeners ADHD Screeners Tests Related to Autism & ADHD General Screeners Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel