#2 - Unmasking love: communication in autistic relationships w/ Sofi Elkin

In this episode of Autistic FM, Haje Kamps and Sofi Elkin delve into the complexities of communication in relationships, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Sofi opens up about her journey toward discovering her neurodivergence in adulthood and how unmasking has profoundly affected her relationship dynamics. She discusses the process of realizing that both she and her partner had been masking their communication styles, leading to misunderstandings and frustration early on in their relationship. Over time, Sofi and her partner learned to communicate more authentically, understanding that as neurodivergent individuals, they would need to approach communication in ways that felt true to themselves rather than conforming to neurotypical norms. A central theme of their conversation is learning to handle conflict and regulate emotions together. Sofi shares how, through couples therapy and continuous self-reflection, she and her partner developed tools to address conflict in a healthy way. They prioritize creating a safe emotional space for one another, which allows them to navigate difficult conversations without fear or resentment. Weekly check-ins have become a ritual where they openly discuss what went well or what could be improved, which helps reduce miscommunication and promotes empathy. By establishing these routines, Sofi emphasizes that she and her partner have strengthened their relationship and made conflict less daunting. Sofi is an AuDHD content creator, online sex educator, and "jack of all trades" (master of few). She grew up in Costa Rica and is a "third culture child". Her neurodivergence went undiagnosed until adulthood, which led her to using her platform to spread awareness and advocate for other late or self-diagnosed ADHD and autistic folks. You can find more of Sofi on Instagram (@SofiXElkin) and TikTok (@_Sofisticated)