“I’m a Counselor who Specializes in Neurodiverse Couples”: Experiences Participating in a Neuro-Affirming Provider Training

Due to the unique challenges neurodiverse (ND) couples (where at least one partner identifies as Autistic) face, traditional therapeutic techniques without an ND-affirming lens are not likely to be effective in these relationships and can often be harmful. Despite this, there continues to be a lack of research and training for mental health practitioners on how to support ND couples. By qualitatively exploring experiences participating in a community-led training for therapists working with ND couples, the aim of the current study was to provide an understanding of how this type of training could help practitioners support this population. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with providers to explore their experiences and impressions of the training. Practitioners varied in age, years of experience, gender identity, neurotype, and geographical location. Themes generated included the following: (1) “I didn’t choose this path, it sort of chose me;” (2) Structure of the training was invaluable - gave me concrete things to try; (3) This training can’t touch on everything, but I want more!; (4) Training “opened my view” to better recognize, understand, and treat; and (5) Using an ND-affirmative lens provides hope for counselors and clients. Our findings highlight the importance of training in the areas of neurodiversity and couple therapy, and suggest this training provides a helpful foundation, particularly for therapists with a background in treating couples.