Neurodiverse Couples and Partners

AANE offers the following supports for couples/partners in neurodiverse relationships.  We realize these groups do not cover all types of relationships.  We welcome requests for additional neurodiverse relationship coaching groups.  Please contact grace.myhill@aane.org.  

Online Support & Coaching Groups

Online Discussion Forums

These groups provide unique support opportunities online for people all over the world. As safe and understanding forums, comprised of partners or ex partners of those with Autistic profiles, who may not be on the spectrum or who may also be on the spectrum. They include people of all genders, gender orientations, races, religions, ethnicities and other diversities. These groups provide spaces for people to give and to receive feedback specific to their needs.  

Online "Open" Support Group for Partners of Autistic Individuals

All Open Support Groups have new people joining from session to session and are FREE. This group, serving people from all over the world, is for the neurotypical (non-Autistic) individual married to or in partnership with someone with an Autistic profile. Here you will have the opportunity to offer and receive support, to strategize, and to share experiences with others who might relate to your situation.  The group is co-facilitated by Leslie Sickels, LCSW, and Pat Schissel, LMSW, NY Director of AANE. Registration is required to receive the online meeting link.

Online Fee-Based Coaching Groups

Neurodiverse Couples Coaching Groups

These groups are just for couples where one or both individuals in the relationship have an Autistic profile.  These groups are often the first time that neurodiverse couples have the chance to speak with other neurodiverse couples about how their neurodiversity affects their relationship. They offer you the opportunity to realize that the issues you are struggling with are not unique to your relationship. This makes it possible to take things less personally and to learn new tools and strategies from the other couples who have similar experiences and issues, and from Grace who understands both partners and can interpret for each. No formal diagnosis is required.

GROUP DETAILS:

  • Meetings are 90 minutes and will be offered monthly with at least 4 couples, no maximum limit.
  • Dates: TBD, to let Grace know when you are available, email grace.myhill@aane.org.
  • Cost: $55 for each meeting.

Partners of Autistic Adults Coaching Groups

These groups are just for the non-autistic partner in a neurodiverse relationship. No formal diagnosis for your partner is required. Get support and strategies from others who truly understand and are also facing the challenges that come with being in a neurodiverse relationship. Learn tools from Grace, who will address the specific questions from the group participants. You can come once or multiple times each month.

GROUP DETAILS:

  • Each group generally consists of 5 - 15 people. New members are always welcome. Meetings are 90 minutes.
  • Dates: The group meets one Sunday each month, one Tuesday evening each month, and every other Thursday each month. To get the schedule, email grace.myhill@aane.org.
  • Cost: $45 per person
 

Ex-Partners of Autistic Adults Coaching Groups

These groups are the only one of their kind, for ex-partners of someone  who may be on the spectrum. No formal diagnosis of your ex-partner is required. Group members share their wealth of knowledge and experience coping with a variety of issues including legal, financial, practical, emotional, and the communication needed with your ex. Discussions are focused on the topics that group members bring up. Grace Myhill, MSW, is the group facilitator. Grace is a neurodiverse couples coach. She has facilitated Spouse/Partner Groups for AANE since 2004 and has coached many neurodiverse couples.  

GROUP DETAILS:

  • Each group generally consists of 5 - 15 people. New members are always welcome. Meetings are 90 minutes.
  • Dates: The group meets one Sunday each month. To get the schedule, email grace.myhill@aane.org.
  • Cost: $45 per person
 

Partners with Autistic Profiles Coaching Groups

These groups are just for the partner who may have an Autistic profile. No formal diagnosis is necessary. Even if you don't think you have an Autistic profile but your partner thinks you do, you are welcome. Come and ask your questions or just listen to suggestions from myself and the others who will offer tools and strategies that may improve your relationship.

GROUP DETAILS:

  • Each group generally consists of 5 - 15 people. New members are always welcome. Meetings are 90 minutes.
  • Dates: The group meets one Tuesday evening each month. To get the schedule, email grace.myhill@aane.org.
  • Cost: $45 per person
 

AANE Online Couples/Partners Discussion Forums

Looking for an online community who understands what life is like for you? Join one of AANE’s staff moderated online discussion groups.  Scroll down and complete the sign-up form.

Ex-Partners of Autistic Adults Discussion Forum

This group serves those who are divorced or separated from an autistic adult. Here you will have the opportunity to offer and receive support, to strategize, and to share experiences with others who might relate to your situation. Grace Myhill, MSW, is the group moderator. Grace is a neurodiverse couples coach. She has facilitated Spouse/Partner Groups for AANE since 2004 and has coached many neurodiverse couples. To Join: Scroll down and complete the sign-up form.

Partners of Autistic Adults Discussion Forum

This group, serving people from all over the world, is for individuals married to or in partnership with someone with an Autistic profileHere you will have the opportunity to offer and receive support, to strategize, and to share experiences with others who might relate to your situation. Grace Myhill, MSW, is the group moderator. Grace is a neurodiverse couples coach. She has facilitated Spouse/Partner Groups for AANE since 2004 and has coached many neurodiverse couples. To Join: Scroll down and complete the sign-up form.      

Online Discussion Forum Sign Up

Once you complete this form and your submission is reviewed, you will be sent an email invitation and instructions to set-up your account.

It is recommended that all members of Online Google Group Discussion Forums join with a gmail email account If you prefer to remain anonymous as a member of the Online Google Group Discussion Forum:
  • Create a new gmail account before joining the forum.  This will allow you to remain anonymous.  
  • Forward the emails related to the forum to your primary email address inbox.
  • Only send emails from the Google Group dashboard to remain anonymous.
  • Make sure that when you "reply all" your personal email address is NOT the sender.
  • ONLY use the Google Group Forum name as the "reply all" sender.

By submitting this form, you are opting in to email communication from AANE. You may update your email preferences at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of AANE emails.   

If you agree to join then you agree to follow forum guidelines. Read more on the best practices for joining, sending messages, and leaving a Online Google Group Discussion Forum.
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