World Autism Awareness

World Autism Awareness. April is the month for Autism Awareness. Autism Speaks is an organization who focuses on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support. Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

As a certified neurodiverse couples counselor, I tell my clients, “we’re all on the spectrum to some degree.” When working with couples where one or both are on that spectrum, neurology matters. What are the odds of being on the spectrum? In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

These children will grow up needing tools to become more effective communicators. Being able to initiate conversation, share thoughts and feelings, and assertive enough to ask for what they need is crucial to being in any relationship. Being more relational and less transactional makes for the intimacy required to distinguish between romantic partners and roommates.

As a neurodiverse couples coach, I am often asked if getting a diagnosis is important. It’s not that important for adults to get a formal diagnosis. Minors tend to receive one as it supports their need for community resources. Working with adults I don’t place labels on anyone who may be on the spectrum, rather, I help both partners acquire tools to become more relational rather than transactional.

Being on the spectrum is a challenge to the ASD individual, as well as their families. It takes a lot of love and effort to get the help needed so all can enjoy what life has to offer. Differences can make some people feel uncomfortable. These people can act out their prejudices, fear, ignorance, etc.

Autism has been receiving more attention than the last couple of decades. Understanding and being curious about ASD beats being judgmental and critical. Learn how to talk to someone on the spectrum. Neurotypicals and ASD individuals speak different languages. These differences don’t make one or the other any better. Just different. I grew up with the notion that different was bad or wrong. No, it’s just different. As soon as we understand and respect other’s differences and their perspectives can we live in a world that is more embracing of the diversity that is our reality.

My husband has Asperger’s so I can relate to what neurodiverse couples go through. Surviving an Asperger Marriage is possible. Learning each others’ love language is a start to establishing that intimacy. For information about my services and fee please text me your email address at (858) 735-1139.

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