Cindy N. Ariel, PhD, is a Philadelphia-based psychologist who works with individuals and couples from a collaborative, psychodynamic, and empowering feminist lens. In 1992, she cofounded Alternative Choices, an independent group psychology practice that specializes in supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families. Dr. Ariel is widely recognized for her work with couples in neurodiverse relationships. She combines clinical insight with compassion and advocacy to promote understanding, acceptance, and the celebration of diversity, including neurodiversity.
Description
Accepting each others differences is important for all couples--especially when one partner is autistic and the other is not. Psychologist Cindy N. Ariel has spent decades counseling neurodiverse couples to help their relationships thrive. This compassionate book is packed with tools to help both partners understand how their brains work differently and find solutions to common struggles, emphasizing that nothing is "wrong" with either of them. From managing household routines and money to navigating each persons wants and needs about socializing, parenting, hobbies, sex and intimacy, and much more, clear and loving communication is key. Every chapter includes vivid stories, self-reflection questions, conversation starters, and action plans to build connection. Neurodiverse couples can keep exploring, creating, and sustaining the relationship they envision. Dr. Ariel shows how.
Introduction
1. What Makes You Different?
2. Differences in Everyday Life
3. Appreciating Your Neurodiverse Relationship
4. Communication Differences
5. Enhancing Your Communication
6. Raising, Repairing, and Resolving Conflicts
7. Empathy and Support
8. Social Needs and Interaction
9. Division of Labor
10. Sex and Intimacy
11. Autism, the Two of You, and Everything Else
12. Always Forward
Resources
Bibliography
Index