NeuroDiverse Christian Couples

This month is focused on neuroscience and your neurodiverse marriage! This entire month, we have elements brought in from LifeModel Works, Deeper Walk Ministries & Thrive Trainings, and those who are ministry partner friends! Today is Amy H. Glazer.

Our topic begins with Fear Bonds, and we took some questions that you, the listeners, had on this that include:

• How to reduce the intensity of fear bonds when in a relationship that has ongoing trauma or reminders of the fear bonds?

   

• How do you process an emotion without amplifying it? When I hear "return to joy," it feels like "don't feel your feelings - just be happy", and I know that is not what you are saying, but what do I do with my feelings?

  

• How do we identify fear bonds in our close relationships, which we are accustomed to that pattern?

  

• Authenticity and connection- can you achieve that with someone you have had a fear bond with? Can a fear-bonded person really turn to a joy or love bond? That seems impossible after so many decades.

 About Amy from the Thrive Works Website:
Amy is the Director of Development and Journey Groups Director for Alive & Well, author of the Journey Group curriculum, and Director of the Journey Group Leadership Community. She leads weekend and 5-day events for THRIVEtoday and has taught in the Advanced Counseling Ministry training at YWAM Kona, as well as the OneLife program at Southern Wesleyan University. With Alive & Well, Amy directs the Journey Group program and mentors students training as Immanuel Encounter Guides with Alive & Well’s training program.
 Amy is a specialist in small group dynamics and creating online communities. Journey Groups is a relational discipleship small group program that guides members in practicing the relational skills taught at Thrive and develops the topics of belonging, maturity, heart values, true identity, God’s perspective, Immanuel living, and healing, as found in the books Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You, Transforming Fellowship, Joyful Journey, and Relational Skills in the Bible, which Amy co-authored with Chris Coursey.
 Group's Amy Mentioned Found Here:
https://www.alivewell.org/transformed-by-joy

Discussion:
Join Dr. Stephanie and Meredith Sinclair of Life Behavior Consulting to discuss how communication skills are key to relational skills and meaningful connections. Today, we discuss how to assess social interest, discern if someone is genuine or manipulative, cyber safety skills, and find sources of friendships.
 About the Guest:
Speaker Biography: Meredith Sinclair is the Executive Director/Founder of LIFE Behavior
Consulting, LLC. Meredith holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State
University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She is a
certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified PEERS for Young Adults Provider, School-Based Provider, and Telehealth provider. Meredith loves working with people with Neurodiverse brain styles to help them learn the skills to build their confidence and independence in working on their goals in life, whatever those may be. Meredith's specialty is helping her clients uncover and leverage their strengths and take action steps to apply the skills they are learning in the real world. She is an advocate for Neurodiversity in the workplace and believes that anyone who has the desire to work CAN work and have a fulfilling career with the right supports.

Find out more at:
https://lifebehaviorconsulting.com/

Discussion: Dr. Stephanie Holmes and Dr. Sean Hirt discuss their clinical training and how neither was trained in neurodiversity despite the update in thinking about the Autism Spectrum (DSM-IV Asperger's). Dr. Holmes and Dr. Hirt discuss that applying neurotypical marriage models to Neurodiverse couples is not only not helpful but potentially harmful. Dr. Hirt discusses the role of the central nervous system and its impact on regulation and how typical marriage work may disrupt both partners. 
Have you heard from your pastor or Christian counselor- Marriage is Marriage, or Marriage is supposed to be hard. Or you tell your counselor you are a neurodiverse couple, or you attend an intensive, and they tell you that your neurodiversity doesn't matter- their model will work if you have enough faith?
Let's Discuss That!
 About Our Guest: Dr. Hirt has an array of clinical experience in a variety of settings, including private practice, residential treatment centers, non-public schools, and emergency shelters. He is particularly sought out for his expertise in treating and addressing anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, behavioral issues, and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. Other areas of focus include substance abuse, life-transition issues & trauma-related disorders.
In therapy, Dr. Hirt uses empirically driven modalities to address the client’s needs. He derives techniques from client-centered, cognitive-behavioral theory, attachment theory, as well as family systems. Dr. Hirt works closely with all clients to develop an integrative, yet client-centered approach to treatment. More specifically, Dr. Hirt works with individuals to assist in developing the abilities and resources needed to reach goals, overcome hardships, and improve life satisfaction. When not working, you will often find him at parks and trails with family and friends. Dr. Hirt enjoys hiking, biking, running, and rock climbing! He also enjoys watching sports and traveling. However, his favorite pastime of all is spending time with his wife, daughters, and dog (Frank).
Looking for Assessment: https://www.hirtpsychology.com/sean-hirt

Welcome back to Just the Guys, where a handful of neurodiverse men get real about growth, relationships, and life post-diagnosis — all without a script, but with a ton of heart.
In this reflective and candid episode, the guys dive into the evolution of their emotional intelligence and how their journeys have led to stronger relationships, especially with their partners and kids. The catalyst? A missed celebrity interview and a realization: if flying fish exist, maybe change and empathy aren’t so impossible after all.
We follow Jeremy, Greg, and Dan as they discuss what transformation looks like in real life. Jeremy opens up about becoming a more proactive and thoughtful parent and husband, learning to share the mental load and prioritize emotional presence. Greg brings in stories from marriage and retirement, revealing how putting “relationship before task” has become his new mantra. Dan brings it full circle with powerful insights on values, intentionality, and what love looks like, choosing family over hockey — literally.
Throughout the conversation, themes of vulnerability, emotional attunement, and the gradual embrace of empathy surface repeatedly. They compare personal growth to planting seeds — change doesn’t happen overnight, but with daily intention and care, real transformation takes root.

Key takeaways:
• Empathy isn’t just possible for neurodiverse men — it’s learnable and life-changing.
• Change starts with being open to a different version of yourself.
• Small, intentional choices create the foundation for a lasting connection.
• Relationships thrive not when we’re perfect, but when we show up — emotionally and consistently.

This episode is equal parts heart, humor, and hope. So, whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or walking alongside someone who is, you’ll leave with a little more faith that growth is not only possible — it’s inevitable, if you’re willing to show up and keep planting seeds.


🎧 Tune in, lean in, and maybe even catch a flying fish of your own.

Today, we discuss the newly released book aimed at NeuroDiverse Christian Couples and Coaches! Dr. Stephanie & Barbara discuss Uniquely US: Gracefully Navigating the Maze of NeuroDiverse Marriage. We will talk about the research that went into the book and how clergy, chaplains, coaches, counselors, and clinicians can use this book along with a workbook and videos for ND Christian Couples!
Where can you order the book?
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/uniquelyus
 Download the Free Workbook:
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/_files/ugd/410eee_5c2856b40d0a4a1bb65a69c38f384161.pdf
 Find the Free Videos:
https://www.holmesasr.com/copy-of-uniquely-us
 Dan or Stephanie is having classes forming for the fall and spring semesters. Dr. Stephanie usually has a summer course for wives. Find out about group coaching/classes at:
https://www.holmesasr.com/womengroups
https://www.holmesasr.com/mengroups
 Want to work with Barbara Grant?
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/copy-of-referrals

What does it mean to be naked and unashamed? Did your mind first go to sex? That is part of it in a literal sense, but being 'naked and ashamed' also means being vulnerable with each other and not afraid. By the time couples find out about their neurodiversity, there are toxic patterns, and friendship is lost because everyone is focused on their own needs and what is missing. I often wonder if couples even like each other anymore or just on the this religious quest for the marriage some pastor or book promised missing the point- at one point Adam & Eve were naked and unashamed- connected to God, their true identity and each other in a vulnerable way before the fall/sin. We believe a couple's quest is to achieve as much as they can in a fallen world, being "naked and unashamed," and to be unafraid in their marriage relationship, moving from a scarcity mindset or fixed mindset to a growth and attachment mindset.

Continuing our Autism Acceptance Month, today Dr. Stephanie interviews Dani Bowman from Love on the Spectrum. We will talk about her involvement with the show and how she built her company, DaniMation.

Guest: Dani Bowman,BFA, MBA
President, DaniMation Entertainment
Dani Bowman, who is on the autism spectrum, founded her company, DaniMation Entertainment, in 2009. Over the years, she has spearheaded summer animation camps and conducted personalized online 1:1 sessions, diligently educating, elevating, and empowering her students on the autism spectrum. With her guidance, she has successfully helped more than 2,500 students explore the transformation of their passions into viable careers.
 In her educational journey, Dani obtained a BFA in Animation in 2018 and further pursued her ambitions with an MBA in Global Strategy and Leadership in 2020. Beyond her academic achievements, she also became a valued cast member on the Netflix series "Love on the Spectrum." Dani's remarkable story showcases how dedication, talent, and resilience can lead to fulfilling accomplishments regardless of individual challenges.
 Embracing Neurodiversity and Creativity: Dani Bowman's Journey from Animation Aficionado to Social Entrepreneur
In her keynote speech at the Converge Autism Summit, Dani Bowman, an animator, educator, and entrepreneur, takes us on a remarkable journey that began at age three and led her to become the CEO of DaniMation. From her beginnings as a passionate animator at the age of 14 to her present role as an industry leader in diversity-led employment, Dani shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs and reflects on her responsibility as a leader to inspire and mentor others on the autism spectrum. She sheds light on the company's commitment to social impact, emphasizing the positive influence that creative expression can have on the lives of neurodiverse individuals, regardless of how they have been affected by their condition.

For Autism Acceptance and Action Month, we are focusing on the autistic experience. Today, our guests are Kim Clairy, OTR/L, and her husband, William. Kim will be a speaker at the 2025 Converge Autism Summit. Today, Dr. Stephanie talks with Kim about autism and sensory issues and how an occupational therapist can help.

About our Guest:
Kim Clairy OTR/L is a Brenau University graduate with a BS/MS in occupational therapy. Kim has been invited to share her expertise on autism with over 100 organizations in 7 countries. She is a frequent contributor to autism-related projects and podcasts and has contributed to numerous publications on autism. Additionally, Kim is a private consultant and self-advocate who broke through barriers as she defied a healthcare system that said, “Your autism is severe; you need to live in a nursing home.” Her difficult experiences forged a passion for educating others on autism. Through hands-on learning, Kim uses personal experiences and professional expertise to educate on many facets of autism across the lifespan.

Want Kim to come speak at your event?
https://www.kimclairy.com/

In this episode of 'Just the Guys,' Jeremy and Dan pivot from their original plan due to an unexpected airline mishap, turning the moment into a meaningful exploration of their personal and professional insights on coaching from an autistic perspective. They delve into what makes effective coaching, highlighting the importance of adaptability, openness to change, and focusing on potential rather than limitations. The conversation emphasizes the courage required to question long-held beliefs and behaviors, and the necessity of cultivating self-awareness and emotional growth.
 Rich with relatable analogies from sports and personal experiences, Jeremy and Dan discuss overcoming resistance to change, the power of vulnerability, and the critical distinction between being open to new skills versus changing one's core identity. Whether you're seeking personal growth, better relationships, or practical strategies for life’s complexities, this candid discussion offers valuable wisdom for those navigating neurodiverse relationships and personal development.

It is Autism Acceptance and Action Month, and we have Dave Glick as our guest neurodivergent coach and clinician.
Today, Dr. Stephanie and Barbara ask David a few questions about behaviors.

We ask:

• Can you differentiate freeze and fawning?

• What are your thoughts on pervasive demand avoidance?

• What behaviors can actually change?

• Can those on the spectrum learn regulation and relational skills?

 About our Guest & Colleague:
Dave writes on his website: https://triadpsych.org/therapists/david-glick/
My specialties are quite extensive and diverse, as I have two degrees, one in Education and the other in Social Work. I was originally trained in behaviorism and usually merge behavior therapies with personality trait theories. This approach, while demanding, usually produces very positive results for my clients.
 My practice is a safe place where people can share and be open. Once trust is established, it becomes a virtual Swiss army knife, in that the therapy is adaptable and useful regardless of the situation. Essentially, I want my clients to be empowered with a new sense of self and confident in their abilities.