Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

Joanne Davies is AuDHD and is a clinical hypnotherapist who works with individuals and couples.  During this episode she shares so much valuable information about how hypnosis can help neurodivergent individuals and neurodiverse couples with sensory challenges, emotional differences and intimacy issues.  The topics she addresses during this episode include:How hypnotherapy can help bridge the gap between neurotypes.The parts of hypnosis: Induction, deepening and healing.The process of hypnotherapy and how neurodivergent individuals and their partners can benefit. How it can be used to help with sensory processing.The value of pendulating between something that feels good and something that doesn’t.Can help to create safety and address triggers.“Cloaking” helps you create a virtual shield to help protect you from sensory overload.How to “anchor” in a certain feeling you had during hypnosis. How hypnosis can help with emotional identification and regulation.May be able to help with reducing meltdowns or shutdowns.Helps with “reparenting”.Understanding how to meet each others needs through hypnotherapy.Using tantric processes and body mapping to help with intimacy challenges.The process to use to create your own self-hypnosis process. You can contact Joanne at Jqhypnosis.com

Sadie and her mom Lynn dive into the profound impacts of unknown neurodivergence on childhood and adolescence. They share candid experiences of sensory overload, the struggles with restrictive eating, and the complexities of masking in school versus finding solace at home. The discussion touches on perfectionism, stimming for nervous system regulation, and the unique challenges of driving anxiety. They emphasize the resilience of neurodivergent children and offer heartfelt advice for parents navigating similar journeys.

If you would like to learn more about the resources Mona offers you can click here. In addition, if you would like to join the new community that Mona is creating for non-autistic/neurotypical partners called "Neurodiverse Love Conversations" click here to register for the 4 week series that will be held every Thursday from June 5th-June 26th from 7-8:30-pm EST (US). The cost is ONLY $149 and each participant will get the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards and Workbook and lifetime access to the 2023 and 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference sessions. If you are trying to make sense of how two people could love each other yet repeatedly misunderstand and hurt each other, then this community is for you. If you are repeatedly confused and don't understand why conflict, contempt or stonewalling have become more the norm than the type of connection and attunement you are looking for then this community is where you will find understanding, tools and strategies that can help you work towards achieving more peace and joy in your relationship and life!Spaces are limited, so if you feel called to join this supportive community I hope you will register today!____________________________________________________________This podcast episode was originally published on Jodi Carlton’s podcast called “YOUR Neurodiverse Relationship” and is a conversation between Jodi Carlton, Mona Kay and Michael Daniel, the developer of the "Neurotranslator" and his wife Elise.The goal for sharing this episode on the "Neurodiverse Love" podcast is to spread information about the life-changing Neurotranslator app and to highlight the story behind its creator and the challenges he and his wife had been experiencing before learning he was neurodivergent.The topics addressed in this episode include:How having children changed everythingLearning about neurodivergence through a child’s diagnosis Communication challenges Being high masking in life and marriageHow misunderstandings contributed to conflictUnmaskingUnderstanding your identity after learning you are neurodivergent Reliving trauma through a neurodiverse lensHow ability to function can change after diagnosisAutistic burnoutSituational mutismAbleismWishing you could have a husband with a NT brainHow the “NeuroTranslator” was born Both partners need to work to understand each otherYou can learn more about the Neurotranslator app here

Lori Crowley, M.A., LMFT, LPCC, is a therapist and coach specializing in neurodivergent families. She discusses the significance of a somatic approach to therapy and how sensory differences impact relationships. Key topics include how sensory experiences shape neural pathways, the importance of recognizing whether a partner's struggles are a 'can't' or a 'won't,' and effective repair strategies like creating safety through validation. Lori also emphasizes reframing expectations and appreciating complementary strengths in emotional exchanges.

Mike Matthews, a hospital supply chain worker diagnosed with autism later in life, shares the profound impact of his condition on his family. Alongside Amy Matthews, a mental health therapist, they discuss their challenging journey through misdiagnosis and the struggle for appropriate support. They explore the realities of autistic burnout, parenting amidst sensory needs, and the importance of a neuro-affirming household. Their candid conversation sheds light on the unique strengths and challenges of their neurodiverse relationship.

In this engaging conversation, Robin Tate, a life and relationship coach specializing in neurodivergent adults, delves into the intricacies of AuDHD. She discusses the important self-discovery process for women and the nuances between Autism and ADHD. Listeners learn about executive functioning challenges that affect communication and daily tasks. Robin highlights the emotional journey of grieving potential relationship dynamics while addressing the impact of masking. This insightful dialogue offers valuable strategies for fostering interdependency in neurodiverse relationships.

Mona and her sister Ilysa reflect on their father's suspected autism, revealing how it reshaped their understanding of childhood experiences. They discuss his intense special interests, sensory challenges leading to meltdowns, and comfort-driven routines. The sisters explore the impact of their father's emotional unavailability and how it influenced their partner choices. They emphasize the healing journey after recognizing the traits inherited from him, while also highlighting their mother's empowerment through education and assertiveness.

If you didn't have a chance to join us at the phenomenal 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference you can still learn from the more than 30 presenters who shared their lessons learned, lived experiences and expertise. For ONLY $97 you can get "lifetime access" to all 31 conference sessions and the 4 recorded Q&A panels. To begin watching the conference sessions today, or to get more information about the conference presentations and presenters click here.___________________________________________________________During this episode with coach Magi Nock we talk about ways to create more joy, safety and connection in your neurodiverse relationship. We also address the following: Accepting and acknowledging that the differences exist;Addressing grief that is unique to each partner; Compassion towards what is happening in your relationship;Cultivating curiosity about each others perspective;The bigger the trauma the more expanded your support system may need to be;Having tools and people to turn to when your dysregulated;Co-creating connection in unique ways;Finding unique ways to communicate;Understanding that you each  can “choose” to stay in the relationship;There is hope and possibility for change. You can contact Magi and learn more about her coaching services here Neurodiverse Coaching

Sarah Bergenfield, an Autistic therapist and PhD student, shares insights on the predictive processing framework and its profound impact on neurodiverse relationships. She explains how understanding this brain model can enhance social interactions and intimacy. Sarah discusses the challenges of sensory overload and how it affects communication and emotional needs. She emphasizes the importance of routines in managing unpredictability and shares strategies for embracing the strengths of autism in partnerships.

Jana M. Smith, a resilience coach specializing in nervous system regulation, shares her journey overcoming chronic health issues through brain rewiring. She discusses essential tools for managing undiagnosed ADHD and emotional dysregulation in relationships. Topics include the fight-or-flight response, sensory sensitivities, and how negativity bias can keep us stuck. Jana emphasizes the significance of expanding our 'window of tolerance' in neurodiverse partnerships, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and effective communication.