Mythbusting Neurodiverse Relationships

www.lovingdifference.net Why is that birthdays can seem so tricky in our neurodiverse relationships? In this episode, Natalie and I reflect on some hard earned lessons around birthdays and how we have learned to navigate them. Unfortunately we didn’t always have such an understanding of the differences and preferences operating in our families so birthdays became a source of disappointment, frustr...

www.lovingdifference.net A subject close to our hearts, the education system has been problematic for both our families. We are all still experiencing the repercussions of a system which did not meet the needs of our young people. As parents, we had to shift our mindset and change our priorities. We had to make mental and emotional health a priority over school. Stepping away from the social narra...

www.lovingdifference.net Really excited to share this episode with you!! Our first collaborative episode between the Loving Difference team and the Neurodiverse Love team. We’ll be publishing collaborative podcast episodes throughout the year and look forward to sharing our different perspectives and the lived experiences we’ve had, as we all address both the strengths and differences in our neuro...

www.lovingdifference.net How Do I Get Through Family Events? How do you experience social events together - all wonderful or a complete nightmare? We’ve found them very challenging for all sorts of reasons including social anxiety, sensory processing differences, different interests and different capacities for socialising. In this episode we’re sharing some of our Top Tips so that social events c...

www.lovingdifference.net In this episode we’re challenging the social rules around meal times and explore why they are so challenging for our families. There are so many narratives around family meal times that made us feel that a “good” family should sit around the table together and have quality time. But we’ve had very different experiences with our families. It’s not that we didn’t want that f...

www.lovingdifference.net In this bitesize episode we’re reassuring you that change is possible even when you’re feeling totally exhausted by everything and possibly also scared to change anything in your neurodiverse relationships. Perhaps you also have change fatigue, you’re done with changing yourself, feeling like the only one’s who’s trying to make things work better or for your family members...

www.lovingdifference.net What are the Top 10 Challenges in our Neurodiverse Relationship and how can we resolve them? We have identified the 10 most frequently occurring challenges which we, and our members, have experienced and created a 10 modules course to help you focus on, and resolve these challenges. Each module is a collection of articles, videos, tools, tips and strategies for you to work...

www.lovingdifference.net Do you recognise that your partner (and/or your neurodivergent children) are in a defensive state? When Natalie and I first came across the term defence mode in relation to our partners and children, it was clear to us that this was a big factor in what we were finding challenging. It made total sense and brought a new level of understanding. However, what we weren’t so qu...

www.lovingdifference.net In this episode we share what helped and hindered our recovery and how this inspired the mission and purpose for Loving Difference as somewhere to find new ways where we may otherwise be feeling hopeless and thinking there are none to be found! Without new ways, we continue to be stuck, frustrated and miserable. Loving Difference brings together a combination of profession...

www.lovingdifference.net In this episode we’re busting some of the myths that we read/learnt from professionals when our neurodiverse journey began, including:- That we were suffering from a reactive disorder that comes with names of its own- That we are like we are because of our neurodivergent partners- That neurodivergence was the problem so nothing could change with the relationship- That we c...

www.lovingdifference.net In this episode we’re introducing Polyvagal Theory and the impact it’s had on our neurodiverse relationships. Our nervous systems have a huge impact on our relationship with ourselves, with others and with our environment. Trauma, unmet needs, a lack of belonging or fitting in, as well as many other factors, establish our defensive patterns from childhood. The more we expe...

www.lovingdifference.net Content Warning: we talk in this episode about gaslighting and trauma. Look after yourself and if this isn't for you, skip it this time. It's important to seek help and support for the impact of all kinds of experiences that look and feel like gaslighting, whatever the intent. At the same time, we're having this conversation to expand the ways we talk about our...

www.lovingdifference.net In this episode we're unpacking resilience including...What is resilience? What does resilience have to do with our experience in neurodiverse relationships? What is survival resilience and thriving resilience? How is our nervous system and our wellbeing impacted by the resilience story we’re living? What’s the cultural story/narrative around resilience that the majori...

www.lovingdifference.net Communication is in the Top 3 challenges we hear about most! Why is it so difficult? In this episode, we share our experiences of communication before we knew about neurodiversity in our relationships and some of the awareness and strategies that can help you improve communication.. whether your partner’s on board or not! Do you experience these in your neurodiverse relati...

www.lovingdifference.net In this episode we reflect on our journeys recovering from exhaustion, resentment and hurt to THRIVING in our neurodiverse relationships and homes. We chat about how we felt inspired to create a membership community for everyone in neurodiverse relationships to provide the support and resources to help others reconnect with themselves and with their loved ones so that they...