Why Neurodiverse Marriages Are Sooo Challenging !!!

--- Group for ASD Men Struggling in Their Relationship with an NT Spouse: https://www.adultaspergerschat.com/2020/11/group-for-asd-men-struggling-in-their.html

--- Group for NT Women Struggling in Their Relationship with an ASD Spouse: https://www.adultaspergerschat.com/2020/11/group-for-nt-women-struggling-in-their.html

--- Online Group Therapy for Couples & Individuals Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://www.adultaspergerschat.com/2020/10/mark-hutten-m.html

--- Living With Aspergers: Help for Couples: https://www.livingwithaspergerspartner.com/

--- Skype Counseling for Struggling Individuals & Couples Affected by Asperger's and HFA: https://www.adultaspergerschat.com/2019/07/skype-counseling-for-struggling-couples.html

Points to consider when dealing with an autistic spouse:

1. An individual with autism can have difficulty processing input from their senses and be under-responsive, unresponsive and/or have a unique response to sensory input.
2. As you learn more and work on acknowledging the role an autism spectrum disorder plays in your relationship, it will be helpful to seek out knowledgeable professionals and join a support group.
3. Sensory issues can impact just about all aspects of life.
4. As you seek to learn more about ASD and how it affects your spouse and your relationship, you will likely be grieving the loss of prior expectations.
5. Autism is a neurobiological disorder that affects perception, communication, social skills, learning and behavior.
6. Communication is frequently processed and interpreted differently for someone on the autism spectrum.
7. Consider using visual information (notes, email, a white board, even examples from books or other visual media) to convey or supplement verbal messages.
8. Each person presents differently with his or her challenges.
9. Eye contact may be difficult and sometimes facial expressions may not reflect an individual’s true feelings.
10. Sensory needs/issues can change over time and even vary from day to day.
11. Getting to acceptance may be hard for one or both of you.
12. If this is a new diagnosis, you and/or your spouse may be working on accepting the diagnosis.
13. In a relationship where one individual is on the autism spectrum, there are likely many more opportunities for misunderstandings and frustration.
14. Individuals on the autism spectrum are not sure how to connect with others.
15. Information processed by the senses can easily over-stimulate an individual on the autism spectrum.
16. It is helpful to your ASD spouse if your communication is clear, calm and predictable.
17. Learn and Use Communication Strategies that work best for you and your spouse.
18. Many on the autism spectrum suffer from anxiety as well.
19. Often you will need to provide very explicit and concrete instructions that your spouse can follow.
20. Sensory issues very often affect individuals on the autism spectrum.
21. Persons on the autism spectrum often have trouble staying on topic and maintaining a conversation.
22. Recognize and Address Sensory Needs.
23. Social skills are affected.
24. Remembering the positive characteristics of both you and your spouse will enhance your self-esteem and help motivate you as you work through your relationship challenges.
25. Senses may be overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or under sensitive (hyposensitive).
26. Sensory issues can affect intimacy.
27. Social cues are often missed or misread.
28. Some people with ASD are hypersensitive to various lighting.
29. Verbal communication is often processed more slowly and words interpreted literally.
30. Your ASD spouse likely has executive function deficits.

Видео Why Neurodiverse Marriages Are Sooo Challenging !!! канала Mark Hutten, M.A.