An Introduction to Working with Neurodiverse Couples

Neurodiverse couples in which one partner is on the autism spectrum and the other is neurotypical face unique challenges that are seldom addressed in training programs for therapists. These couples have the potential to feel lost or misunderstood when they choose to seek help in individual therapy or couples counseling. Without specialized training or education, clinicians may struggle to provide adequate treatment or effective interventions.

In this two-hour continuing education web conference, Sarah Swenson, LMHC will explore the ways in which these couples differ from neurotypical partnerships. She will also discuss the implications of these differences and how common it can be for couples to struggle with misdiagnosed or undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is Sarah’s overarching goal to help therapists learn to offer an informed approach for working with individuals on the autism spectrum. 

Sarah will describe how her approach, coupled with a clinician’s focused therapeutic support, will aid in acknowledging the strengths and challenges that neurodiverse couples experience. She will discuss how this approach is as much about what not to do as it is about learning how best to provide the most appropriate counseling services. Developing an awareness and sensitivity to these couples’ unique issues is key to providing the help they need to have healthy and fulfilling relationships. 

This introductory instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Describe the complex nature of a neurodiverse couple in which one partner is on the autism spectrum and the other is neurotypical.
2. Explain common misdiagnoses associated with the autism spectrum.
3. Summarize the unique experiences of the autistic partner and of the neurotypical partner.
4. Identify the therapeutic challenges that arise when working with neurodiverse couples.
5. List effective therapeutic modalities and interventions for supporting neurodiverse couples.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy.org is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within Counseling Services. 

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 3/30/2022 – 3/30/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

GoodTherapy.org, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium or Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no cost. Not yet a Premium or Pro Member? Mental health professionals can attend this live web conference for $29.95 or access the homestudy recording for $14.95.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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