When Love Speaks Different Languages: Neurodivergent Communication and Intimacy

Description

Pre-Recorded on Dec 18, 2025

This 2-hour workshop provides clinicians, educators, community members, and allies with a comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming framework for supporting neurodivergent and cross-neurotype couples in areas of communication, intimacy, conflict resolution, and relational safety. Drawing from autistic-led scholarship, current empirical research, and clinical practice, the course examines how divergent communication styles shape relational dynamics. Participants will learn tools for co-regulation, pacing, conflict repair, and navigating intimacy—including considerations related to sexuality, kink/BDSM, and neuroqueer relational practices. Cultural, systemic, and intersectional factors influencing communication and relational expectations are integrated throughout.

Educational Goals:

• Integrate the neurodiversity paradigm into relational work by understanding neuronormativity, the double empathy problem, and cross-neurotype communication challenges.
• Recognize the influence of interoception, alexithymia, executive functioning, sensory overload, and trauma histories on emotional access, communication, and relational safety.
• Apply neurodiversity-affirming approaches that support embodied emotional awareness, co-regulation, pacing, and intentional repair.
• Support clients in reframing intimacy, sexuality, and relational roles through a neuroqueer, culturally responsive, and intersectional lens.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Identify four core components of the neurodiversity paradigm that directly inform relational work with neurodivergent couples.
   2. Name at least four communication factors that contribute to misattunement in cross-neurotype relationships.
   3. List three ways sensory processing differences shape sexual and intimate experiences for neurodivergent adults.
   4. Name at least three systemic or cultural factors that influence communication norms and expectations in neurodiverse couples.

Living Lotus Family Therapy, Inc. (#1032776) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) to sponsor continuing education for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), and Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP). Continuing education offered is suitable for BBS license renewal. Living Lotus Family Therapy, Inc. maintains responsibility for the following courses and content. Questions about our programs? Check out our FAQ.