Relationship Counselling with Autistic Neurodiverse Couples - by Tony Attwood & Maxine Aston (Paperback)

About the Book

"A comprehensive look at the effectiveness of couples counselling for couples where one or both are on the autism spectrum"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Enhance your practice and improve outcomes for autistic clients with this indispensable guide by world-leading autism experts Tony Attwood and Maxine Aston.

When working with couples where one or both partners are autistic, traditional therapeutic approaches can fall short. Differences in communication styles, expectations, and emotional processing can lead to misunderstandings-not only between partners but also between clients and their counsellor. Without a deep understanding of autism, therapists may unintentionally provide advice that is ineffective or even harmful.

This book bridges the gap between conventional relationship counselling and the specific needs of neurodiverse couples. Drawing on research and firsthand accounts from autistic individuals and their partners, it equips therapists with the essential knowledge and practical strategies needed to provide affirming, effective support.

From identifying autism in the counselling room to making meaningful adaptations in sessions, this resource will expand your therapeutic toolkit and empower you to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships for neurodiverse couples.

Review Quotes

It is heartbreaking to hear that so many Autistic clients are not receiving appropriate couple counselling. The book is well laid out and is easy to read. It gives the reader a clear understanding of autistic clients and their partners' (either also autistic or not) needs from couple counselling and how these needs might be addressed. We at Relationships Scotland have been very keen to understand our neurodiverse clients and have been delighted to have Maxine visit us on several occasions, but on reading this book I feel exercised as the Director of the Certificate in Relationship Counselling to pay more attention to this area in our courses and would be happy to add this book to our reading list.--Janet Brown, Director of Certificate in Relationship Counselling, Relationships Scotland

Validating and affirming, this book confirms the importance of a different approach by professionals supporting neurodiverse relationships and specialists who are equipped and confident to handle the specific challenges that can arise. Relationship outcomes and peoples' futures depend on it!--Natalie Roberts, neurodiverse relationship coach and founder of Loving Difference

This book is an important contribution to the literature on Autism and essential reading for relationship therapists. It provides comprehensive coverage of relationship difficulties presented by Autistic neurodiverse couples and insight into how a relationship therapist can understand, decode and translate them for the benefit of the couple.--Annie Wimbush, Clinical Director, Relate Cambridgeshire

About the Author

Maxine Aston is an author, qualified counsellor and supervisor. Maxine presents Autism awareness workshops to counsellors and professionals who may encounter clients affected by Autism. She also runs workshops and support groups for partners and parents that live with an Autistic Person. Maxine has an MSc in Health Psychology and a regular speaker at National and International Autism conferences.

Professor Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who has over 50 years of experience working with autistic individuals. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. He co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events with Michelle Garnett in 2019.