Is This Autism?-Co-Authors Donna Henderson,Sarah Wayland and Jamell White

If you would like to learn more about the resources available through Neurodiverse Love, including the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards and Workbook, please go to: www.neurodiverselove.com _________________________________________________ During this episode, Mona has a great conversation with Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland and Jamell White, the authors of "Is This Autism-A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else" and "Is This Autism-A Companion Guide for Diagnosing". The topics addressed include: The value of explicit, direct communication. Making assumptions that may not be true. Misinterpretation during communication. Understanding high and low context. Taking things personally or judging your partner. Being held accountable for something you didn’t say but may have been inferred. Be curious when you feel yourself getting triggered. Be aware of the amount of time you need to transition from work to conversation. Get engagement first and then start communicating. May have different fundamental needs around communication.  Needing voice inflection to understand meaning. Flat affect or tone of voice may be received incorrectly.  Needing to process things out loud- vs- alone. How can you each get your needs met without overpowering or neglecting the other? Understand if your partner needs more processing time during a conversation. Understand what leads to flooding or shutdown during conversations. Understand when you’re hyperverbal you may be flooding your partner. Asking your partner for what you need at the beginning of a conversation. Understanding that you and your partner may define words differently. Accepting that there are differences that may not be changeable. Not having time awareness can create challenges and your partner may need transition reminders. When frustrations are festering because you haven’t communicated explicitly what you need. One person should not have all the burden of change. What are the top 3 things that are challenges in your relationship? Learning how to regulate your nervous system before engaging in a conversation with your partner. There are different ways of connecting and we need to understand each other’s needs. Sharing activities may be a great way for you to connect with your partner or family member. What was your partner’s family’s communication style? Understanding that fear in communication can create challenges. People are usually doing the best they can with what they have. Just ask!!! See things through a curiosity lens. You can contact Jamell White at:  [email protected] You can contact Donna Henderson at: www.drdonnahenderson.com You can contact Sarah Wayland at: www.guidingexceptionalparents.com