Mythbusting Neurodiverse Relationships

www.lovingdifference.net

In this bitesize episode we’re reassuring you that change is possible even when you’re feeling totally exhausted by everything and possibly also scared to change anything in your neurodiverse relationships. Perhaps you also have change fatigue, you’re done with changing yourself, feeling like the only one’s who’s trying to make things work better or for your family members to get along better.

We know the exhaustion. We know the fear. We know the resentment. We know the fatigue with all of it.

There is a way!

A way to being you again. A way to step by step moving out of the totally exhausted state you’re in so that you have capacity for other step by step changes that are aligned with who you are and which ultimately, all your loved ones benefit from.

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at ⁠https://www.lovingdifference.net/⁠

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

⁠#neurodiverse⁠ ⁠#neurodiversity⁠ ⁠#asd⁠ ⁠#autismspectrumdisorder⁠ ⁠#autismawareness⁠ ⁠#aspergers⁠ ⁠#autism⁠ ⁠#dontletanyonedullyoursparkle⁠ ⁠#aspergersrelationship⁠ ⁠#mentalhealth⁠ ⁠#happyrelationship⁠ ⁠#neurodiverserelationship⁠ ⁠#cultivateyourhappiness⁠ ⁠#beyouagain⁠ ⁠#beyou⁠ ⁠#liveslow⁠ ⁠#livewithintent⁠ ⁠#autismspectrum⁠ ⁠#neurodiverselove⁠ ⁠#lovingdifference⁠ ⁠#adhd⁠ ⁠#love⁠ ⁠#neurodiversecouple⁠ ⁠#coach⁠ ⁠#neurodiverserelationshipcoach⁠ ⁠#neurodiversefamilycoach⁠

www.lovingdifference.netWhat are the Top 10 Challenges in our Neurodiverse Relationship and how can we resolve them? We have identified the 10 most frequently occurring challenges which we, and our members, have experienced and created a 10 modules course to help you focus on, and resolve these challenges. Each module is a collection of articles, videos, tools, tips and strategies for you to work through at your own pace. In addition, you have the opportunity to join our live bi-monthly coach conversations in which we focus on one of the challenges. Can't make it live? No problem. You can submit your questions in advance and watch the replay. Now is a perfect time to join us as we begin to work through the modules starting with :- - Where does my energy go? followed by - Boundaries - What gives us energy? - Trust building with the ones we love - Togethering - Roots to freedom - Love has different languages too - Pace - Communication - Resentment

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.netDo you recognise that your partner (and/or your neurodivergent children) are in a defensive state? When Natalie and I first came across the term defence mode in relation to our partners and children, it was clear to us that this was a big factor in what we were finding challenging. It made total sense and brought a new level of understanding. However, what we weren’t so quick to see, was how our own defensive patterns were contributing to the situation. This is partly because it is harder to have self awareness and we were so focussed on looking outside of ourselves for understanding and solutions rather than inwardly reflecting. It was also because the traditional, better known fight/flight defence states didn’t seem to apply to us. As we began to learn how these and other lesser known defensive states can present, we began to realise that we, too, have our defensive patterns. And that these were a big factor in the relational challenges that we were experiencing. In this conversation we talk about how fight/flight can present in ways you may not have recognised, as well as discussing the lesser know states of freeze, fawn and flop.

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.netIn this episode we share what helped and hindered our recovery and how this inspired the mission and purpose for Loving Difference as somewhere to find new ways where we may otherwise be feeling hopeless and thinking there are none to be found! Without new ways, we continue to be stuck, frustrated and miserable.Loving Difference brings together a combination of professional and peer support, coaching and community so that members can recover themselves and their relationship with awareness, tools and strategies, combined with the mutual support we both found invaluable for our step by steps.

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.netIn this episode we’re busting some of the myths that we read/learnt from professionals when our neurodiverse journey began, including:- That we were suffering from a reactive disorder that comes with names of its own- That we are like we are because of our neurodivergent partners- That neurodivergence was the problem so nothing could change with the relationship- That we couldn't recover if we stayed in the relationship- That our partners couldn’t change- That we’d have to change moreSubsequently we learnt that:- We could reverse the effects of the reactive disorder/stress we’d been experiencing- Our partners were suffering too - we weren’t the only ones experiencing a stressful reaction in the relationship- Our inherited relationship models and dynamics were unhealthy and unhelpful- We could find ways to meet our own needs without leaving the relationship- Our recovery helped to reduce the stress our partners were experiencing- We can be more ourselves AND improve our relationship - after all that's the person they fell in love with!- We can create better connection even if our partners aren’t prepared or ready to join is in the workWe realised that we needed to learn about relationship dynamics, trauma, wellbeing, communication and so many other things! It’s not all or only about neurodiversity.- You have agency to change yourself and the situation that you’re in- You can thrive and sparkle- You can do it inside the relationship- There is support for you in Loving difference

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.net

In this episode we’re introducing Polyvagal Theory and the impact it’s had on our neurodiverse relationships.Our nervous systems have a huge impact on our relationship with ourselves, with others and with our environment. Trauma, unmet needs, a lack of belonging or fitting in, as well as many other factors, establish our defensive patterns from childhood. The more we experience life from these defensive states, the harder it is to access a sense of safety where we can be open, curious, creative and connected.The amazing thing is that we can, with practice, learn ways to shift our state and interrupt those defensive patterns which no longer serve us. If we can become more regulated, less defensive and more self-aware, we’ll have a different experience. We’ll also will give out more clues of safety. This in turn can influence the state of others through the process of co-regulation. So doing our own nervous system work can help those around us. And, ultimately, we benefit from our loved ones being able to access a safe and connected state. It’s a WIN WIN!In this episode, we discuss:- What is Polyvagal Theory and why is it relevant in our neurodiverse relationships?- What are the different pathways of the nervous system? What do we mean by a “defensive state” and “defence mode”?- What is neuroception and why is it important?- How can we use this awareness to bring greater understanding, empathy and connection to our relationships?- How can we start to build in more capacity so that we are less likely to be reacting from a defensive state?- How can we reflect, repair and reconnect if our defences take over in the moment?- How can we use this knowledge to create safety around everyday life and events that challenge us or/and our partners and/or children?

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.net

Content Warning: we talk in this episode about gaslighting and trauma. Look after yourself and if this isn't for you, skip it this time. It's important to seek help and support for the impact of all kinds of experiences that look and feel like gaslighting, whatever the intent. At the same time, we're having this conversation to expand the ways we talk about our neurodiverse experience and, as such we're here to hold space for the paradox that is the pain of life alongside the joy and hope of it too. We can honour both and invite you to join us with compassion and an open mind.

In this episode we’re sharing and exploring our experience of and perspectives on gaslighting, including:

- how and when we've encountered the concept of gaslighting on our journeys with neurodiversity, when it was unknown and since we’ve known

- how it features in neurodiverse narratives and whether this is the right or a helpful term to be using for our experiences

- how gaslighting and alternative perspectives on it have helped us understand ourselves and our relationship dynamics and experience

- what's the potential issues with using this concept for our experiences and what other ideas and language have helped us, and also influenced our relationships more positively

‘Gaslighting’ potentially simplifies a more complex experience in neurodiverse relationships. This doesn’t make it irrelevant or absent. We‘re keen to challenge the dominant narrative and expand the conversation in a way that can ensure individuals find the support they need and also open up new routes through our experiences with our partners and families.

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.netIn this episode we're unpacking resilience including...What is resilience? What does resilience have to do with our experience in neurodiverse relationships?What is survival resilience and thriving resilience?How is our nervous system and our wellbeing impacted by the resilience story we’re living?What’s the cultural story/narrative around resilience that the majority of us are living in?How can we begin to cultivate healthier resilience? What are the first steps when it feels like we can’t change anything?

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.netCommunication is in the Top 3 challenges we hear about most! Why is it so difficult? In this episode, we share our experiences of communication before we knew about neurodiversity in our relationships and some of the awareness and strategies that can help you improve communication.. whether your partner’s on board or not!Do you experience these in your neurodiverse relationship?- Defensive and avoidant communication- Living with negativity bias- Emotional reactivity- Communication anxiety- Invalidation- Hamster wheel conversations that go round and round- Communication confusion and upsetSetting up communication to be successful rather than stressful for everyone involved.Improving communication without changing others or needing others to change.Finding a third way of communicating where no one has to shape-shift and everyone’s needs are met.

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach

www.lovingdifference.net

In this episode we reflect on our journeys recovering from exhaustion, resentment and hurt to THRIVING in our neurodiverse relationships and homes. We chat about how we felt inspired to create a membership community for everyone in neurodiverse relationships to provide the support and resources to help others reconnect with themselves and with their loved ones so that they can THRIVE.

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Want to learn more or join us on the road to being YOU and thriving in your own neurodiverse relationship or family? 

Join Loving Difference at https://www.lovingdifference.net/

Loving Difference - HOPE and a Way Forward for Neurodiverse Relationships ✨
Loving Difference is hosted by Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks. The Loving Difference Relationship System they coach, specifically designed for neurodiverse relationships, prioritises recovery first and new foundations for better communication and connection. Subscribing members in the programme hosted there are solving the biggest issues experienced in neurodiverse relationships: exhaustion, being YOU, communication, connection, intimacy, resentment and reactivity. 

#neurodiverse #neurodiversity #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #autismawareness #aspergers #autism #dontletanyonedullyoursparkle #aspergersrelationship #mentalhealth #happyrelationship #neurodiverserelationship #cultivateyourhappiness #beyouagain #beyou #liveslow #livewithintent #autismspectrum #neurodiverselove #lovingdifference #adhd #love #neurodiversecouple #coach #neurodiverserelationshipcoach #neurodiversefamilycoach