This updated edition of Maxine Aston's workbook is packed full of insightful, helpful and easily accessible activities for couples where one or both partners is on the autism spectrum to understand and accept their differences. This book expands on topics including verbal and non-verbal communication, sexual issues, socialising and parenting, with case studies from couples who have successfully worked through their issues. This edition is fully updated for the DSM-V and features new research into alexithymia, further insights into couples counselling, digital communication and sensory sensitivity, with new worksheets and opportunities for collaboration and reflection. Combining advice, guidance and activities, this book can be used independently by a couple at home or in conjunction with a therapist, encouraging communication and empathy to help make a neurodiverse relationship successful.

Aston has created this workbook to help couples where one partner has AS. With candid advice, activities and worksheets, she explores a variety of approaches. She identifies specific issues, such verbal and non-verbal communication, sexual issues, socializing and parenting, and comes up with simple and effective ways of addressing these issues.

Based on academic research, experiences as a counselor specializing in this area and personal relationship experiences, the author uses quotations and real-life examples to illustrate her points with a compassionate understanding. Practical everyday topics include living and coping with AS, anger and AS, getting the message across, sex and AS, parenting, staying together, and "AS cannot be blamed for everything."

Proven counseling strategies that will help improve the relationships of married, long-term or co-habiting couples with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder). ASD relationship expert Eva A. Mendes provides advice straight from the couples' counselling room that can be applied in day-to-day living and help with the challenges that can arise in relationships where one or both partners are on the autism spectrum. This includes issues surrounding diagnosis, mental health, sexual compatibility, sensory needs, executive functioning, theory of mind, communication, and co-parenting. She offers unique practical ideas for positive change such as creating a relationship schedule, making expression of appreciation and gratitude a part of every day, and finding mutually satisfying activities and special interests to engage in with your partner. The strategies in this book will be useful to couples themselves and any couples' counselors or therapists working with them.

Comprised of the accounts of twelve heterosexual couples in which the man is on the Autism Spectrum, this book invites both partners to discuss their own perspectives of different key issues, including anxiety, empathy, employment and socialising. Autism expert Tony Attwood contributes a commentary and a question and answer section for each of the twelve accounts. The first book of its kind to provide perspectives from both sides of a relationship on a variety of different topics, Neurodiverse Relationships is the perfect companion for couples in neurodiverse relationships who are trying to understand one another better.

Asperger syndrome (AS) has often been considered to be incompatible with love and relationships, but as the number of people who are diagnosed with the disorder increases, it is becoming apparent that people with AS can and do have full and intimate relationships. Comparing and contrasting both AS and non-AS partners' viewpoints, this book frankly examines the fundamental aspects of relationships that are often complicated by the disorder. With all findings illustrated with case examples taken from interviews conducted with couples, the author tackles issues such as attraction, trust, communication, sex and intimacy, and parenting. Drawing on her extensive research and established career as a Relate counsellor, Maxine Aston has produced a much-needed analysis of intimate relationships where one adult has AS and this book is a must for all those with AS and their partners, as well as for friends, family and counsellors.

Everyday techniques to strengthen empathy and connection in neurodiverse couples Life with a partner whose neurotype is different than yours is filled with moments that are surprising, unique, and sometimes challenging. If one of you has an Aspergers profile and the other is neurotypical, Love and Aspergers is a helpful and inclusive guide to understanding the nature of your relationship and navigating its particular obstacles without losing sight of what's important. You'll read engaging and realistic scenarios that depict couples going through similar issues, combined with practical, evidence-based solutions that address the needs and perspectives of both partners equally. Love and Aspergers helps you: Work together--Find easy ways to improve communication, cultivate emotional and physical intimacy, and maintain a commitment to learning about each other. Appreciate your differences--Discover a window into the inner world of your partner, and the ways in which their experiences differ from yours so you can convey your own perspective more effectively. Break through the stereotypes--Sort out myths and facts about Aspergers so you can understand neurotypical and neurodiverse thinking, and make your life together as a couple more loving and more rewarding. Deepen your relationship and your communication with Love and Aspergers.