Dr. Valerie Gaus is a clinical psychologist whose focus is on treating mental health issues in adults with autism spectrum disorder, including depression, anxiety, stress and trauma. She is also the author of "Living Well on the Spectrum. How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism" and "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition" During this episode, Valerie talks about the circuitous route her career took to put her on the path to begin working with autistic adults. She also focuses on how communication is the key to "any" successful relationship and how many neurodiverse couples may need to create a "third language" so that they can communicate effectively and understand each other. She also discusses the results of an important study that highlighted the most critical factor to predicting that romantic relationships will be successful. Dr. Gaus also talks about how important it is for both partners to make "some changes" and be willing to do "uncomfortable things" to move from "struggling to thriving". She also shares how destructive shame can be in a love relationship. She addresses how a partner may feel when they are repeatedly told they are not meeting their loved ones expectations, and why dealing with that shame is a critical step to move forward to create a healthy relationship For more information on the counseling and coaching services Dr. Gaus offers, you can contact her through her website at: http://www.drvaleriegaus.com/ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you like this podcast, please follow us or subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Please also take a minute to rate the podcast. For more information on Neurodiverse Love relationships, please check our our website at: www.neurodiverselove.com or follow us on Instagram @neurodiverse_love If you would like to join one of our free online Neurodiverse Love peer support groups, please DM us on IG, or send us an email at: [email protected] Also, if you would like to share your Neurodiverse Love story, or you work with neurodiverse couples and would like to be a guest on the podcast, please send us a DM or an e-mail. Thanks for being part of the Neurodiverse Love community!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.