Who Talks First? The Critical Role of Social Imitation With Neurodiverse partners
Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Imagine trying to dance with someone when the music playing in your head doesn't match theirs.
This is a bit like what happens in social interactions involving neurodivergent partners, especially those on the autism spectrum.
This breaking research, published in Social Neuroscience, uncovers fascinating insights into how high-functioning autistic folks engage in social imitation tasks.
Specifically, it highlights a preference for following rather than leading, coupled with distinct patterns of brain activity that differ from neurotypical counterparts.
Now, as a therapist working with neurodiverse couples, these findings can be a game-changer in how we approach dyadic therapy.
This study by Dumas and colleagues (2024) underscores that social interactions involving autistic folks can result in unique neural synchrony patterns, particularly when paired with neurotypical partners. This might explain why conventional couples therapy techniques sometimes fall short for neurodivergent couples.
Instead of focusing solely on communication strategies, which often assume neurotypical patterns of interaction, therapists can now appreciate the value of tailoring approaches that consider these distinct neural dynamics.
For instance, embracing the autistic partner's comfort in a more responsive or "following" role during conversations can foster a more harmonious interaction.
In other words, couples therapists who are training to work with Neurodiverse couples need to harness the power of social imitation. This might involve intentionally designing exercises that allow the neurodivergent partner to engage without the pressure of leading, which can greatly reduce anxiety and enhance the couple's connection.
Moreover, the research shows that when autistic folks are part of a dyad, there's often a shift in how their brains synchronize with their partner’s.
Specifically, increased high-alpha synchrony suggests that these interactions might require more cognitive effort or visual attention, potentially leading to exhaustion or misunderstanding if unaddressed in therapy.
By acknowledging this, therapists can create a more supportive environment that respects these differences and helps both partners navigate their interactions more effectively.
However, this study does come with limitations, including its small sample size and focus on high-functioning autistic adults, which obviously does not fully capture the diversity within the autism spectrum, but does focus on those most likely to show up in couples therapy.
How can therapists adapt traditional couples therapy for neurodiverse relationships?
Therapists can adapt traditional couples therapy for neurodiverse relationships by tailoring interventions to accommodate the unique social and communication styles of neurodivergent partners.
This involves recognizing and validating the different ways neurodivergent individuals process and respond to social cues. For example, instead of assuming that both partners will naturally engage in typical back-and-forth dialogue, therapists can create space for alternative forms of communication, such as written communication, structured turn-taking, or visual aids.
Additionally, therapy can focus on understanding and appreciating each partner's sensory and cognitive preferences, reducing misunderstandings and fostering empathy. By integrating these strategies, therapists can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that respects neurodiverse ways of relating.
What role does neural synchrony play in successful communication between neurodivergent partners?
Neural synchrony, or the degree to which brain activity patterns align between counterparts during interactions, plays a crucial role in communication, particularly for neurodivergent partners.
Research shows that when partners have synchronized brain activity, they tend to communicate more effectively, as this alignment reflects a shared understanding and mutual engagement.
However, in some neurodivergent folks, neural synchrony might differ, particularly when paired with neurotypical partners. This can lead to communication challenges, as their brains may process social cues and interactions differently.
Understanding these differences allows therapists to help couples find alternative ways to connect, such as through structured interactions that reduce the cognitive load on the neurodivergent partner, ultimately improving communication and relationship satisfaction.
How can neurotypicals better support their autistic partners in social interactions?
Neurotypical folks can better support their autistic partners in social interactions by fostering an environment of patience, understanding, and clear communication.
This includes recognizing that their autistic partner may process social cues differently and may feel more comfortable in a following role during interactions.
Neurotypical partners should avoid making assumptions based on typical social norms and instead seek to understand their partner's unique needs and preferences.
Practical strategies include discussing and agreeing on social scenarios beforehand, offering support during interactions without taking over, and using direct, unambiguous language. In other words, be concrete AF.
By doing so, neurotypical partners can help create a more inclusive and comfortable social environment that respects their autistic partner's boundaries and communication style.
The challenge of atypical connectivity
The brain differences observed in autistic partners, particularly in the context of social interactions, stem from distinct neural pathways and connectivity patterns.
Neuroimaging studies have shown that autistic brains often exhibit atypical connectivity in regions related to social processing, such as the prefrontal cortex and the superior temporal sulcus.
These differences may result in a unique way of processing social information, leading to challenges in interpreting social cues and engaging in typical social behaviors.
Additionally, the variability in neural synchrony—where autistic folks may not synchronize their brain activity with others in the same way neurotypical partners do—reflects the diversity in cognitive processing. This can affect how autistic humans experience and respond to social interactions, making it important for therapeutic interventions to be personalized and accommodating to these neural differences.
Final Thoughts
As Dumas points out, future research should aim to broaden these findings to include a wider range of neurodivergent folks and explore additional physiological markers.
This is crucial for developing more personalized therapy approaches that honor the rich diversity of experiences within neurodivergent relationships. Couples therapy for neurodiverse couples gets a real boost with this breaking neuroscience research.
In essence, this research invites us to rethink how we approach couples therapy with neurodivergent partners. I can see a whole host of interventions stripped of neuro-normative handcuffs. This will be an improvisational renaissance for science-based couples therapy..
This is a huge deal.
It might be a game-changer for rolling out an enhanced understanding of how couples therapy interventions should be crafted.
It pushes us to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model and towards a more nuanced, tailored approach that embraces the unique ways neurodivergent brains sync—or don’t sync—in social interactions.
By doing so, we not only improve therapeutic outcomes but also contribute to a more inclusive understanding of what healthy relationships can look like across the neurodiversity spectrum. Let’s talk more about this.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Bagherzadeh Y, Baldauf D, Pantazis D, Desimone R. Alpha Synchrony and the Neurofeedback Control of Spatial Attention. Neuron. 2020 Feb 5;105(3):577-587.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.11.001. Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31812515.
Dumas, G., Moreau, Q., Brun, F., Ayrolles, A., Nadel, J. (2024). Distinct social behavior and inter-brain connectivity in Dyads with autistic individuals. Social Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470919.2024.1219390
Lord, C., Elsabbagh, M., Baird, G., & Veenstra-Vanderweele, J. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder. Lancet, 392(10146), 508-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31129-2
Kana, R. K., Libero, L. E., & Moore, M. S. (2011). Disrupted cortical connectivity theory as an explanatory model for autism spectrum disorders. Physics of Life Reviews, 8(4), 410-437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plrev.2011.10.001
Frith, U., & Happé, F. (1994). Autism: Beyond "theory of mind." Cognition, 50(1-3), 115-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0277(94)90024-8