Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) : Successful Strategies for Couples or Counselors

Does your other half have Asperger Syndrome or do you suspect that he or she is on the autism spectrum? This title explains Asperger Syndrome, discusses whether or not seeking an autism diagnosis will help, and offers simple strategies for coping with a range of relationship challenges including communication, social, and intimacy difficulties.;Some facts about Asperger Syndrome (autism spectrum disorder) -- Is Asperger Syndrome (autism spectrum disorder) predominantly a male condition? -- Suspected, undiagnosed Asperger Syndrome (autism spectrum disorder) -- Obsessive behaviour or special interests? -- Socialising, friends, present, and past -- Trying to communicate -- Seeking a diagnosis -- After the diagnosis, what next? -- Initial attraction -- Getting help -- Living and coping with Asperger Syndrome (autism spectrum disorder) -- Improving communication -- Getting the message across -- Anger -- Sex -- Parenting -- Money matters -- Special interests -- Routines -- Socialising solutions -- Empathy and reciprocity -- Asperger Syndrome (autism spectrum disorder) cannot be blamed for everything -- Staying together. Proven counseling strategies that will help improve the relationships of married, long-term or co-habiting couples with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder). ASD relationship expert Eva A. Mendes provides advice straight from the couples' counselling room that can be applied in day-to-day living and help with the challenges that can arise in relationships where one or both partners are on the autism spectrum. This includes issues surrounding diagnosis, mental health, sexual compatibility, sensory needs, executive functioning, theory of mind, communication, and co-parenting. She offers unique practical ideas for positive change such as creating a relationship schedule, making expression of appreciation and gratitude a part of every day, and finding mutually satisfying activities and special interests to engage in with your partner. The strategies in this book will be useful to couples themselves and any couples' counselors or therapists working with them. Offering practical advice straight from the couples counseling room, Eva A. Mendes provides an insider's view into what couples and counselors can do to help make an ASD relationship last. She outlines the challenges faced in an ASD relationship and provides strategies that can improve the lives and marriages of couples on a daily basis.