In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt Lowry LPP and Dr. Angela Kingdon are joined by Kate McNulty—autistic sex and relationship therapist—to explore intimacy, dating, and emotional connection from a neurodivergent perspective.

From sensory overwhelm to SPIN-sharing love languages, they unpack how autistic adults can build relationships that are joyful, authentic, and sustainable—without masking away their true selves.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Unique challenges of dating while autistic: sensory issues, communication differences, and masking in relationships
• How masking in romance can lead to emotional burnout and disconnection
• The role of special interests (SPINs) as an autistic love language
• Why autistic voices have been excluded from conversations about intimacy, and how to change that
• How couples therapy can be adapted for autistic or mixed-neurotype relationships
• Autism and asexuality—plus the diversity of intimacy experiences in the LGBTQ+ autistic community
• Practical strategies for making intimacy sensory-friendly and emotionally safe
• Why many autistic people are open to non-traditional relationship structures despite valuing routine
• Celebrating autistic joy in relationships through authenticity and shared passion

Featured Guest: Kate McNulty

Kate McNulty is a proudly autistic licensed clinical social worker specializing in autism-affirming therapy, sex and relationship counselling, and neurodivergent support. She is certified by the Gottman Institute in relationship therapy and by AASECT as a sex therapist. Kate is passionate about helping autistic individuals and couples build meaningful, joyful, and authentic connections.

• 🔗 Therapy Practice – portland-counseling.com
• 🔗 Sex Therapy & Education – sexpositivetherapist.com
• 🔗 Autism-Specific Services – autistictherapist.com
• 📅 Schedule a session

Resources:

• 🧠 Angela’s SPIN Study → bit.ly/spinstudy
• 🖤 Find a Kink Munch – A neurodivergent-friendly way to meet like-minded people → Find a Munch
• 📚 Exhibitionism for the Shy by Carol Queen → Available on Amazon
• 📺 I Love You, Don’t Touch Me: Sex and Sensory Processing – Pink Therapy on YouTube → Watch here

Related Episodes:

Kink is Autistic

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