Support & Education for Adults on the Autism Spectrum

"My husband was recently diagnosed with ASD. Now what?"

Many "newbie” neurotypical (NT) spouses can learn to cope with the demands of being married to a spouse with autism once they learn about the emotions with which they are dealing with – and how to address them. Not all NTs experience all of the feelings listed below. However, it is helpful for them to be aware of the various emotions involved – and to realize that their experiences and feelings are normal.

Sorrow:

• Loss of hopes and plans for the future

• Loss of the "perfect marriage" that was anticipated prior to meeting her autistic spouse

Resentment:

• Long-standing lack of emotional reciprocity from the autistic spouse

• Long-standing lack of empathy

Remorse:

• Over her autistic husband's suffering

• Less focus on self

• Unable to help her autistic spouse in the social and emotional sense

Feelings of Loneliness:

• No one else understands what the NT wife is going through

• Avoids having to explain the disorder and answer questions

• Can sense that others are uncomfortable around her husband at times

• Depressed

• Not wanting to interact with others as a couple

• Resentment toward others with "typical husbands"

Worries:

• The children's future

• The children's emotional safety

• Keeping a stable relationship with her spouse

• Her own mental health

• Next crisis

Anxiety:

• Advocating for accommodations

• Attempting to do all the relationship work

• Balancing career and family

• Dealing with other's reactions and opinions

• Lack of exercise

• Lack of prior medical or advocacy experiences

• Learning details of spouse's disorder and about related treatment

• Making choices regarding treatment

• Managing time

• Poor eating habits

• Sleep deprivation

Feeling Isolated:

• Detachment in other areas of life due to focus on the autistic spouse's needs

• Feelings of despair and hopelessness

Resources for Neurodiverse Couples:

==> Online Group Therapy for Men with ASD

==> Online Group Therapy for NT Wives

==> Living with ASD: eBook and Audio Instruction for Neurodiverse Couples

==> One-on-One Counseling for Struggling Individuals & Couples Affected by ASD

==> Online Group Therapy for Couples Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

==> Cassandra Syndrome Recovery for NT Wives

==> ASD Men's MasterClass: Social-Skills Training and Emotional-Literacy Development

==> Pressed for time? Watch these "less-than-one-minute" videos for on the go.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)