Synopsis
Maddening, frightening, and unpredictable describe the life of a family when a member(s) has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The NeuroTypical's (NT) Empathy and the "Aspie's" lack of Empathy are at the crux of this chaos, advises author Dr. Kathy Marshack, a longtime psychologist and prolific writer on Empathy, NeuroDiversity (ND), and NeuroDivergent relationships. "NeuroDiverse," describes the unique workings of a brain that is different from those with typical neurological development or functioning; hence, the term, "NeuroTypical."
An NT/ASD relationship mirrors dance partners who unintentionally step on each other's toes. With instruction, the rhythm of their dance can shift. The author provides dozens of proven tips and tools that help achieve smoother footwork-as she learned from living with an ASD spouse, an ASD daughter, and an NT daughter. Since Empathy is not wired into the brain of someone with ASD, they are left feeling confused by irony, pretense, metaphor, and white lies. "Aspies" are unable to simultaneously know their feelings and sense another's; hence, can't know or see what to do or say next. Frustrating to NTs, "Aspies" live in the moment: If something is not forefront in their mind, it is essentially out of their sight. Their failure to recognize the importance of a smile, a hug, or a word of encouragement can generate a mountain of pain and loneliness for the NT.
Children of an ASD/NT couple may inherit or learn the traits of both parents and grow up feeling invisible, minimized, ignored, and unloved. "An NT/ASD couple," emphasizes Dr. Marshack, "must take immense care to reinforce a child's self-esteem while teaching them to love and be loved. It is a profound and not easy challenge."
Dr. Marshack dispels preconceived notions about ASD. She opens eyes and hearts to see that an NT/ASD family's roller-coaster ride-when slowed to ease the curves and jolts-can lead to positive transformation in relationships.
About the Author
Welcome. Right from the start, I want you to know: - You are not alone.- Your voice matters.- I am here to help you --- through my books, my online courses, and my international online communitiesI am Dr. Kathy Marshack, psychologist and author. As a professional I specialize in helping my clients who are in Complex Relationships that are tough to treat with conventional psychotherapy. The short list (but not all inclusive) of couples and families in Complex Relationships include: - "Asperger Syndrome" or High Functioning Autism - Codependency- High Conflict Divorce- Empathy Dysfunction- Entrepreneurial CouplesMy credentials go back decades including a Master's Degree in Social Work, and a Doctorate in Psychology. I've worked in every conceivable professional setting from child protective services, home health agencies, public schools, colleges, hospitals, and mental health clinics. I've covered lots of territory in those years, as you can imagine; everything from working with young children, teens, couples, families, seniors, and entrepreneurs; and with every conceivable diagnosis.I've trained with the best too. My favored clinical skills include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Ericksonian Hypnosis, and Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET). I find these techniques incredibly powerful in creating elegant and long-lasting healing and change. But as valuable as my education, training and experience is, I also know that each one of you is as unique and special as your fingerprints. Did you know that no one on the planet shares your fingerprints? That's right. What this means is that there is no "one size fits all." That's why I have designed my course and communities with differing levels of service depending on your needs: teleconferences, small intimate video conferences, community forums, and one-on-one video conferences with me if you like.You may already know that I am the author of several books to help you with your NeuroDivergent relationship."Going Over the Edge? --- Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome." "Out of Mind-Out of Sight: Parenting with a Partner with Asperger Syndrome (ASD)." "When Empathy Fails: How to Stop Those Hell-bent on Destroying You.""Asperger Syndrome & Relationships: Everything You Need to Survive a NeuroDivergent Life" (an eBook)."Empathy is More Than Words: Groundbreaking Tools for NeuroDivergent Relationships," has just been released. It is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback.There is one more thing I want you to know about me. I can relate personally to every single one of the Complex Relationship bullet points listed above. I was raised by a High Functioning Autistic mother, and an alcoholic father. My eldest daughter is on the Autism Spectrum. I've been an entrepreneur for many, many years, and raised my children in this environment. I too went through a hostile divorce, including parental alienation. Just like you, I went through a lot of suffering before it occurred to me to take another approach. I learned to build resilience. I learned to use what I know as a psychologist to reshape the outcome. I counted on the principle that Michelle Obama champions, "When they go low, we go high." This doesn't mean that you don't get hurt, or angry during all of those trying times. What it means is that when you're up against the harshness of a Complex Relationship, "your response has to reflect the solution," according to our former First Lady.I call this response, Radiant Empathy) something I describe in detail in my book "Empathy is More Than Words." Life isn't perfect, and you will keep making mistakes. But with Radiant Empathy you will learn to use your mistakes as feedback to refashion your life for greater healing, love and happiness.Learn more about Dr. Marshack's articles, online courses, and consultation by visiting www.kmarshack.com.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
