Lilo and Bill offer so many valuable insights and lessons based on the learned experiences they have had before and after Bill was diagnosed as an autist. They have been together for over 30 years, and Bill received his autism diagnosis after more then 20 years of marriage (and lots of challenges they didn't understand). During this episode, Bill and Lilo share openly and honestly about how they have struggled and persevered in love. Bill spent 24 years in the military and Lilo is an artist, hairdresser, and home-schooled all of her children. They have moved 14 times and through all of the ups and downs of life they have discovered the unique strengths, challenges and differences that have helped them grow and learn about each other in ways they never expected. This episode is filled with lots of laughs and insights that will be helpful for all neurotypes. The topics we address include: Communication challenges and ways to address them Asking your partner if they "will" do something, instead of if they "want" to do something Marriage is a contest of generosities. Being unorthodox and eccentric. Understanding how you each "recharge" differently. Mr. Spock as a spirit animal? When one partner wants a "mute" button for the other. Having a "neurostat' for sensory input. When strengths may also create challenges. Struggles and failure can make us stronger. Love is the glue that helps us advance civilization Being a learning organism. Give up on what's supposed to be a "normal" marriage/relationship and accepting what is. Being a life dog, navigator, personal assistant. Stop expecting an apple to be a pear. Everyone is a swiss cheese person and you need to fill your own holes. Texts and emails remove "tone". Time limits when discussing emotional issues. Rituals and routine. When holidays and presents don't have the same value or importance. Is it black and white thinking or both non-linear and linear? Patience is critical. Understanding different perspectives regarding loneliness and time alone. The life changing impact of understanding autism. You can listen to Lilo's podcast called "Touching the 'Tism" or Bill's podcast "Chasing Ghosts: An Irregular Warfare Podcast". You can e-mail Lilo at [email protected] or email Bill at: [email protected] _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you are interested in learning more about the support groups that Mona offers for neurotypical/allistic partners or neurodiverse couples, please send her an email at: [email protected]. or visit her website at: www.neurodiverselove.com Follow Mona on Instagram @neurodiverse_love or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for the Neurodiverse Love Newsletter. Also, if you would like to buy a deck of the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards, the digital deck is available for $11. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to buy your deck today. Lastly, if you missed the 2023 Neurodiverse Love Conference you can buy unlimited access to the 27 AMAZING pre-recorded sessions for only ⁠⁠⁠⁠$98⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love Community!

Ask this episode

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