ONLINE COURSE: Autism in Couple Relationships

$230.00

Description

The aim of this seminar is to equip participants with knowledge and strategies for increasing relationship satisfaction where one or both partners have autism.  The initial promise of the relationship is exhilarating, each partner adoring the other and highly motivated to make it work. All couples discover issues, as the relationship develops, but when each partner’s neurology is working slightly differently, the other’s perspectives, needs and expectations can seem incomprehensible and communication almost impossible.  The issues can become more difficult and regular couple counselling sessions do not seem to work.

This seminar recognises and celebrates the qualities of both partners and presents strategies commonly found to be helpful in improving neurodiverse relationships.  Tony and Michelle draw on their extensive experience in autism and couples counselling to present this seminar.

Who will benefit

The seminar was created for couples where one or both partners are autistic, and relationship counsellors, including psychologists. We highly recommend that both partners view this seminar.

Course Details

  • Updated in February 2022
  • 5 hours 9 mins
  • 60 days to complete course (from date of purchase). A once-off 30-day extension is available. See our FAQs for further information.
  • Downloadable PDFs
  • Certificate of completion
  • Suitable for everyone

Description

The aim of this seminar is to equip participants with knowledge and strategies for increasing relationship satisfaction where one or both partners have autism.  The initial promise of the relationship is exhilarating, each partner adoring the other and highly motivated to make it work. All couples discover issues, as the relationship develops, but when each partner’s neurology is working slightly differently, the other’s perspectives, needs and expectations can seem incomprehensible and communication almost impossible.  The issues can become more difficult and regular couple counselling sessions do not seem to work.

This seminar recognises and celebrates the qualities of both partners, and presents strategies commonly found to be helpful in improving neurodiverse relationships.  Tony and Michelle draw on their extensive experience in autism and couples counselling to present this seminar.

About the speakers

Prof Tony Attwood PhD With a career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts on Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has an Honour’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey and a PhD from the University of London. He is currently adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. Tony has written many publications on Asperger’s Syndrome. His original book, titled Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals was published in 1998 and has been translated into over 25 languages.

Tony operates a diagnostic and psychological support clinic two days a week for children and adults. He also spends considerable time travelling nationally and internationally to present workshops and seminars.

 

Dr Michelle Garnett PhD is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in autism for nearly three decades. Her peer reviewed research has informed understanding of early detection, the female profile and the importance of good mental health for autistic individuals. She has co-authored six highly regarded books on autism, five with Prof Tony Attwood. Her 2018 book with Barb Cook is a seminal work on the female presentation, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism. Her most recent books Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum provide guidance to parent of young children on the autism spectrum.  She regularly provides training to four Australian Universities.

 

Learning Objectives

  • To increase understanding about autistic and non-autistic perspectives in a couple relationship, highlighting differences and similarities.
  • To develop realistic expectations for change in the relationship.
  • To develop strategies for increasing effective communication between partners.
  • To understand the developmental phases of the relationship, from meeting to aging, and to be able to match strategies to the developmental stage.
  • To learn strategies to increase the effectiveness of each partner for managing their own stress, emotions and supporting each other.
  • To adapt autism-friendly techniques for sharing the workload of a household/family.
  • To understand each partner’s love language and how to meaningfully express and receive love in the relationship.
  • To explore the expression of affection and intimacy and how this may be different in autism.

Module Breakdown

Module 1

  • The unique qualities of an autistic partner
  • What attracted you to your autistic partner?
  • What attracted you to your neurotypical partner?
  • What signs indicated he or she was different?

Module 2

  • Question time
  • What signs indicated he or she was different? – continued
  • Effects of the relationship on each partner

Module 3

  • Question time
  • What strategies strengthen the relationship?
  • Research on couples where one partner has autism
  • The Relationship Minefield Programme
  • Session 1 Love and attraction
  • Session 2 Communication of thoughts and emotions
  • Session 3 Stress and anxiety management
  • Session 4 Anger expression and management
  • Session 5 Love and affection

Module 4

  • Question time
  • Session 6 Intimacy
  • Session 7 Working as a team
  • Session 8 The future