WARNING: During this episode we talk about anxiety, depression, suicide and substance use. If these issues are difficult to hear about, please take care of yourself if you decide to listen to this episode.

This is the last episode with my wonderful guest co-host, Nicole Knowlton. During our discussion. we go in-depth on some very important, and sometimes very emotional topics that we haven't discussed much on the podcast. The topics addressed include:

Why neurodivergent individuals may experience depression and anxiety, as people try to correct and change them throughout their lives.

Co-occurring issues can include: ADHD, learning and sensory processing differences, and PTSD.

Our neurology is not a choice!

No shame in taking medication, if you want or need it.

Finding out about your neurodiversity through your children's assessments.

The importance of an educational system that supports your child's needs and strengths.

Losing friends and jobs and not understanding why.

Why being alone can sometimes feel safer.

"Walking in each other's shoes" exercise.

AuDHD feels like OCD at a party!

Substance use and abuse to numb and deal with societal pressures.

Some habits and addictions may be fueling your system.

Some of the strengths neurodivergent partners can have include: strength, stability, security and being financially conservative.

How vulnerability can impact relationships.

The impact of the expectations we have of our partners inside and outside our relationship.

How it effects you when you are carrying a "core wound" of failure.

If you are not willing to do the work to forgive, heal the past and accept your partner for who they are, you will probably suffer in your relationship.

Books recommended during this episode:

Sincerely Your Autistic Child. What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up. Acceptance and Identity.

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope by Matthew Tinsley and Sarah Hendrickx

If you would like to contact Nicole for coaching, therapy and/or assessments.  You can find her on Psychology Today or on Instagram or Twitter @aspietherapist. I want to thank Nicole for sharing her expertise, lived experiences and the lessons she has learned on her journey. It has been an honor to have her as a guest co-host and I hope that some of you will have an opportunity to work with her in the future.

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If you are interested in learning more about the support groups that Mona offers for neurotypical/non-autistic partners or neurodiverse couples,

please send her an email at: [email protected]. or visit her website at: www.neurodiverselove.com

You can also follow Mona on Instagram @neurodiverse_love

Also, if you are interested in buying a deck of the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards, the digital deck is now available for $11.  Click here to buy your deck today.

Thanks for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love Community!