Table of Contents

Acknowledgements. Foreword. Preface. Terminology, Case Studies, and Strategies. Introduction. 1. Pursuing a Diagnosis. 2. Accepting the Diagnosis. 3. Learning About and Understanding ASD. 4. Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, OCD and ADHD. 5. Self-Exploration, Awareness and Advocacy. 6. Expanding Theory of Mind and Emotional Intelligence. 7. Coping with Sensory Overload and Avoiding Meltdowns. 8. Meeting Each Other's Sexual Needs. 9. Bridging Parallel Play. 10. Creating a Relationship Schedule. 11. Improving Communication. 12. Co-parenting Strategies. 13. Prioritizing Self-Care. 14. Organizing, Planning, and Outsourcing. 15. Suspending Judgments and Managing Expectations. 16. Staying Motivated. 17. Neurodiverse Couple's Counseling. 18. Every Neurodiverse Marriage is Unique. Appendices. References. Index.

Promotional Information

Relationship strategies straight from the couples' counseling room

About the Author

Eva A. Mendes, M.A., LMHC, is an Asperger's Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder specialist, psychotherapist, and couples counselor. She works with neurodiverse couples, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She leads the Spouse, Couples, and Women's Support Groups at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE). She also facilitates workshops, and trainings at various universities, mental health and medical centers. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Union Institute and University and her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Vermont College. She lives in Arlington, Massachusetts.

Reviews

This wise and practical book lays out easy-to-implement strategies covering all areas of living for the neurodiverse couple. Couples employing these ready to use solutions will find a beacon of hope helping to pave their way to better understanding and harmonious relationships.
*from the foreword by Stephen M. Shore, EdD, Clinical Assistant Professor at Adelphi University, internationally known author, speaker, and individual on the autism spectrum*

Wow! Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a thorough, finely written, insightful, real-world analysis of neurodiverse interpersonal relationships. Author Eva Mendes knows, really knows, what ASD is all about, how it can bewilder, irritate or even collapse a relationship. Partners trying to communicate through the curves of Asperger syndrome and autism will be able to use Mendes' guidance to great advantage. Couples lives will be touched and changed for the better, thanks to this book!
*Liane Holliday Willey, author of Safety Skills for Asperger Women and Pretending to be Normal*

Eva Mendes has precisely addressed 'emotional-disconnect' in Asperger/HFA relationships, something that I learned through life...the hard way. I wish I had read this book ten years ago, it would have prevented a lot of pain, discomfort and confusion as I navigated my way through life. The language is comfortable and conversational, the anecdotes and real-life stories seem like they were written about me. This book should be read by everyone who is on the spectrum but more so by those who love someone with ASD. As our numbers grow and more of us find out about our social awkwardness being a consequence of the spectrum, sharing war stories like the ones in this book will help millions of people around the world. Thank you, Eva, for writing about us, talented professionals on the Autism spectrum who are tired of wearing the mask of conformity.
*Qazi Fazli Azeem, South Asian self-advocate for the Autism spectrum*

In Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger's Syndrome Eva Mendes presents proven strategies to help neurodiverse couples in tricky relationships. What makes this book so helpful-what makes it stand apart-is her ability to elucidate the realities of both partners in a neurodiverse relationship, with helpful insights and genuine compassion for everyone involved.
*David Finch, New York Times best-selling author of The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to Be a Better Husband*