Loving Differently, Just Like Everyone Else: Embracing Neurodiverse Relationships
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Loving Differently, Just Like Everyone Else: Embracing Neurodiverse Relationships

Navigating a neurodiverse relationship, where one or both partners' brains process the world uniquely (e.g., with ADHD, autism, or sensory differences), isn't about carrying "extra baggage," but rather about working with a different user manual. Like all couples, neurodiverse partners must intentionally learn to meet each other's needs, communicate effectively, and be mindful of individual differences; however, societal myths often unfairly stigmatize these connections. In reality, neurodivergent individuals bring profound loyalty, depth, honesty, creativity, and empathy to relationships, where love and connection may manifest in less traditional ways—such as shared interests, direct communication, or tailored gestures of care—proving that these relationships are not only viable but can be wonderfully authentic and deeply rewarding.

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Could I Be On the Spectrum? Understanding and Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder in Therapy
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Could I Be On the Spectrum? Understanding and Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder in Therapy

If you've ever wondered if you might be on the autism spectrum, you're not alone, as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide and unique range of experiences, strengths, and challenges for each individual; being on the spectrum means experiencing autism in your own way, where what it looks like for one person can be very different from another, with some finding social interactions tricky while others excel in areas like math or art, reflecting the diverse abilities, traits, and challenges and highlighting that autism is not a "one-size-fits-all" experience.

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