If You’re Married To Someone On The Autism Spectrum. My husband and I have been in a Neurodiverse Relationship for over 20 years. It wasn’t until about 7 years ago that I realized he is on the Autism Spectrum. Over the course of my marriage I experienced gradually losing my sense of self. In the place of my former self emerged a person I barely recognized. I was lonely, hurt and angry. I felt isolated as my social connections gradually diminished. Because my husband is a good man, I felt misunderstood when I talked about my problems. I felt crazy and exercised a lot of “acting out” behavior that was hurtful to myself and others.
If You’re Married To Someone On The Autism Spectrum
What I was experiencing is referred to as “The Cassandra Syndrome.”
Being married to a man with Asperger’s, and working with Neurodiverse Couples, I understand and have come to appreciate people think and process information differently. And sometimes these people enter relationships where the two think and process information so differently it makes communication challenging. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with couples using a Neurodiverse lens where traditional couples counseling is ineffective and often frustrating for the couple who come in for relief from their pain and suffering.
If You’re Married To Someone On The Autism Spectrum
People on the Spectrum feel criticized by some of the “labels” attached to them. The Asperger’s and Autism Network (AANE’s) preferred the following terminology at this time. They continue to examine and evaluate language use.
Preferred terms:
“Asperger/autism or similar profile”
“Neurodiverse/Neurodiversity” (not “neurodivergent”)
“on the autism spectrum” or “on the spectrum”
“Community member”
Please refrain from the following terms:
Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD
Asperger Syndrome, Asperger’s, or AS
Disorder
Disability or Disabled
High-functioning (or low-functioning) autism
Examples using preferred terms:
AANE works with individuals who have an Asperger/autism or similar autism spectrum profile.Society will will benefit from the different points of view neurodiversity brings to work and social settings.
We are proud to serve those on the autism spectrum in our work at AANE.
At AANE, our community members are children and adults with Asperger/autism profiles, their families and friends, and the professionals who work with those on the spectrum.
