Professor Tony Attwood & Dr. Michelle Garnett: Keys to Successful Neurodiverse Relationships

02/19/22 • 65 min

During this episode, two of the most well-known experts in autism and neurodiverse relationships, Professor Tony Attwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett, share key tips and tools that will help both partners thrive in a Neurodiverse Love relationship There are so many nuggets of gold in this conversation, that we hope neurodiverse couples will listen to this episode together. Whether you are trying to understand each other's communication differences; wondering whether using texts, emails or sharing songs, will work better to express your thoughts and feelings; or you are working to understand the value of your partners special interests or emotional needs, you will learn more about all these topics during this episode.

In addition, we discuss the value of scheduling time to talk, how to provide feedback to each other effectively, and how to better understand the things that may trigger shutdowns or meltdowns. We also talk about the importance of understanding both "Theory of the Autistic Mind" and "Theory of the Neurotypical Mind" and the value of knowing what you can each change, but also need to accept, in yourself and your partner, to live your best life together.

Whether you and your partner are working to understand your individual needs, or the needs you have in your love relationship, this episode will provide both of you with tools and information that you can both use to move from "misunderstanding to clarity" in your neurodiverse relationship.

To learn more about strategies for successful Neurodiverse Love relationships, check out this Live Webcast being offered by Tony and Michelle titled Autism in Couple Relationships being held on 2/25/22 from 9:30am-4:00pm (Australia Eastern Time-in Brisbane) .

(For those of you who live in the U.S. this is 6:30pm EST on 2/24/22).

You can register for the webcast at: https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/product/live-webcast-autism-in-couple-relationships-25-february-2022/

You can also learn more about Professor Attwood on his website at: www.tonyattwood.com.au

Recommended Books: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood and Spectrum Women-Walking to the Beat of Autism-Edited by Barb Cook & Dr. Michelle Garnett:-)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you liked this podcast, please follow us or subscribe, so you don't miss an episode.
Please also take the time to rate the podcast and write a review.
For more information on Neurodiverse Love relationships, please check out our website at: neurodiverselove.com or follow us on Instagram @neurodiverse_love
If you would like to join one of our free online Neurodiverse Love peer support groups, please DM us on IG or send an email to [email protected]
Also, if you would like to share your Neurodiverse Love story, or you work with neurodiverse couples and would like to be a guest on the podcast, please send us a DM or an email.

Thanks for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love community!

(For those of you who live in the U.S. this is 6:30pm EST on 2/24/22).

You can register for the webcast at: https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/product/live-webcast-autism-in-couple-relationships-25-february-2022/

You can also learn more about Professor Attwood on his website at: www.tonyattwood.com.au

Recommended Books: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood and Spectrum Women-Walking to the Beat of Autism-Edited by Barb Cook & Dr. Michelle Garnett:-)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you liked this podcast, please follow us or subscribe, so you don't miss an episode.
Please also take the time to rate the podcast and write a review.
For more information on Neurodiverse Love relationships, please check out our website at: neurodiverselove.com or follow us on Instagram @neurodiverse_love
If you would like to join one of our free online Neurodiverse Love peer support groups, please DM us on IG or send an email to [email protected]
Also, if you would like to share your Neurodiverse Love story, or you work with neurodiverse couples and would like to be a guest on the podcast, please send us a DM or an email.

Thanks for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love community!

Previous Episode

Relationship Renewal-How to Create “Values” Based Plans & Strategies to Thrive- Dr. Thomas Lucking

Dr. Thomas Lucking, Ph.D., LMFT, started his career in technology and then chose to pivot and become a therapist. Having these two areas of expertise gives Dr. Thomas a unique and important perspective on neurodiverse relationships. During this episode, Dr. Thomas provides a wealth of important information and concrete strategies to help neurodiverse couples understand each other better, while working on the issues that create the most challenges in their relationships. Dr. Thomas shares how couples can understand each others priorities and values and create a "Values Based Family Plan" together. This plan can then held lead to increased understanding and better communication. He also talks about the strategies he has created to help couples begin "relationship renewal" and reconcile with each other when there have been lots of misunderstandings and challenges in the relationship. Dr. Thomas provides so much insightful information on a variety of topics that will provide guidance and inspiration to neurodiverse couples, including: the communication challenges for the "turtle-vs-the hailstorm" and "death by 1000 cuts". Don't miss this important episode that may help you and your partner turn the corner and move from struggling to thriving. To reach Dr. Thomas and learn more about his counseling and coaching services, check out his websites at: www.siliconvalleytherapy.com or www.thomaslucking.com ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you liked this podcast episode, please rate it and follow us, or subscribe, so you don't miss and episode. For more information on "Neurodiverse Love" relationships, please check out our website at: www.neurodiverselove.com You can also follow us on Instagram @neurodiverse_love If you would like to join one of our free "Neurodiverse Love" peer support groups for the neurotypical partner, please DM us on IG or send us and email at: [email protected] Also, if you would like to share your "Neurodiverse Love" story, or if you work with neurodiverse couples and would like to be a guest on the podcast, please send us a DM or and e-mail. Thank you very much for being a part of the "Neurodiverse Love" community:-)

Next Episode

Dr. Valerie Gaus-Strategies and Tools to Make "Any" Love Relationship Successful

Dr. Valerie Gaus is a clinical psychologist whose focus is on treating mental health issues in adults with autism spectrum disorder, including depression, anxiety, stress and trauma. She is also the author of "Living Well on the Spectrum. How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism" and "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition"

During this episode, Valerie talks about the circuitous route her career took to put her on the path to begin working with autistic adults. She also focuses on how communication is the key to "any" successful relationship and how many neurodiverse couples may need to create a "third language" so that they can communicate effectively and understand each other. She also discusses the results of an important study that highlighted the most critical factor to predicting that romantic relationships will be successful.

Dr. Gaus also talks about how important it is for both partners to make "some changes" and be willing to do "uncomfortable things" to move from "struggling to thriving". She also shares how destructive shame can be in a love relationship. She addresses how a partner may feel when they are repeatedly told they are not meeting their loved ones expectations, and why dealing with that shame is a critical step to move forward to create a healthy relationship

For more information on the counseling and coaching services Dr. Gaus offers, you can contact her through her website at: http://www.drvaleriegaus.com/

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you like this podcast, please follow us or subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Please also take a minute to rate the podcast.

For more information on Neurodiverse Love relationships, please check our our website at: www.neurodiverselove.com or follow us on Instagram @neurodiverse_love

If you would like to join one of our free online Neurodiverse Love peer support groups, please DM us on IG, or send us an email at: [email protected]

Also, if you would like to share your Neurodiverse Love story, or you work with neurodiverse couples and would like to be a guest on the podcast, please send us a DM or an e-mail.

Thanks for being part of the Neurodiverse Love community!