During this episode I have an opportunity to talk with Laura Schreiner, another AANE certified therapist.  Laura is also in a neurodiverse relationship and when her and her spouse discovered he was on the spectrum, she began to ask herself "What About Me?"   That question led her to create a support group called "What About Me? (WAM) for neurotypical partners.  The group has been meeting for about two years and Laura shares a little bit about the work she is doing with the group.  
In addition, Laura shares some of the answers she came up with as she began understanding so much more about her own marriage.  She  also talks in-depth about how she helps neurodiverse couples gain a better understanding of whether they are in each other's universe, galaxy or solar system and how they can visit each other's planet and communicate well when they come from different planets. Astronomy is a shared interest between her and her husband and that helped guide her to create this assessment process.
Laura also addresses many other important issues including:

The Communication Roundabout.
Conversational intimacy.
The importance of repair.
What is "burden"?
How each partner may be different inside and outside of their love relationship.
Understanding and being aware of where you are in you relationship.
The importance of relaxing your nervous system.
How can both partners get their needs met?
Stay present in the moment.  Don't focus on the past before you knew you were neurologically different.
Creating a system to address executive function challenges.

If you live in Illinois, and would like to contact Laura about therapy, or her support group, her website is: www.laurasnc.com and her email is: lucid@laurasnc.com
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If you are interested in becoming an AANE certified therapist, or coach, or would like to register for the "Neurology Matters' training available through AANE, for couples or individuals in neurodiverse relationships, you can register at: aane.thinkific.com.  Please use the code NeurodiverseLove25 to get 25% off the registration fee.  To learn more about AANE, or to find an AANE certified therapist or coach in your area, please click here and look at the map halfway down the page. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you liked this episode, please rate it, provide a review and subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss an episode. 
For more information about the support groups available for "neurodiverse couples" or the "neurotypical/non-autistic partners", please check out: www.neurodiverselove.com or follow Mona on Instagram @neurodiverse_love.   You can also contact Mona at: neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com.
Thank you for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love community!

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