Neurodiversity
New to neurodiversity? What is it? What does it mean?
Is this new word a part of your story and you aren’t sure what that means yet or where to get support?
Are you wondering if neurodiversity impacts you, your marriage or your family?
What is neurodiversity?
Very simply, from the Cleveland Clinic, “The term “neurodivergent” describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works. That means they have different strengths and challenges from people whose brains don’t have those differences... Neurodivergent isn’t a medical term. Instead, it’s a way to describe people using words other than “normal” and “abnormal.” That’s important because there’s no single definition of “normal” for how the human brain works.”
Neurodivergence includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory issues and other challenges, many listed below on this chart.
Do you see yourself, your kids, or your spouse on this chart?
Neurodiversity can have a major impact on life, work and family. You probably have questions and might want more support for your journey.
Check out these resources as a starting point:
Embrace Autism/ADHD TESTS – these can be used as starting points for diagnosis.
*The test results are NOT a diagnosis. But the results are information to help you see how your brain works, what challenges you might face and how that could be impacting your life, work and relationships. Save those results and bring them to your coaching session.
Resources:
Group Coaching – access to a full list of different classes offered by a variety of trained autism/adhd coaches
Dr. Stephanie C Holmes – podcast and youtube – all topics of neurodiverse family, marriage, parenting, resources, women on the spectrum and more
The Journey of a Neurodiverse Family – my story of parenting neurodiversity in my family
Podcast: Family, Autism and the Mission Field
When Neurodiversity Collides with Ministry and Missions
Robin Tate – neurodiverse couples coach
Tips on Executive Functioning with Robin Tate
Dr. Tony Attwood – books and youtube
SHARE Education Services – for families serving overseas
Embracing the Autism Spectrum by Dr. Stephanie C Holmes
Our Neuro Fam – resources for families on the spectrum
Marriage and Autism:
3 Signs Your Spouse May Be on the Spectrum – Focus on the Family
Jodi Carlton – Autism and relationships
The Autism Effect on Marriage – the impact of chronic stress on marriage
Uniquly Us – book and videos for learning more about your ND couple dynamic
Understanding the Complexities of Abuse in ND Marriage by Iris Knapp
Understanding the Complexities of Autism on Relationships by Dr. Stephanie Holmes
Leslie Vernick Conquer and book – for wives
When Loving Him is Hurting You by Dr. David Hawkins
Coaching:
1-1 Coaching – I often work with women who are currently navigating a neurodiverse relationship. It can be so comforting and helpful to talk to someone who knows and to talk through, learn and understand more about neurodiversity and how it might be impacting you, your family or your marriage.
In coaching, we can talk about your specific neurodiverse spectrum challenges and the unique impact it’s had on you.
The added layers of overseas life or full-time ministry create a very different set of circumstances for neurodiverse families.
Please connect with me about your unique situation – even the really complicated things
Courses and Continued Learning:
Neurodiversity and Global Work
Autism Education for Professionals and Helpers
Enemy Mode – high conflict in neurodiverse relationships with content from Dr. James Wilder and Neurodiverse Christian Marriage
The resources listed above are just a starting point for your discovery of neurodiversity.
There’s a lot to learn, a lot to discover and often, a lot to unpack after years of struggling and not knowing why.
This is where coaching can be so valuable.
Connect today to schedule your first session!
There are some amazing resources here! Thank you so much!