Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

What is the Cassandra Syndrome?

Cassandra Syndrome has emerged as the term used to describe the psychological and emotional distress experienced by a neurotypical woman married to a neurodiverse man.

Neurotypical spouses are often plagued by ambivalence, confusion, and turmoil.

There are few social supports to help NT spouses grapple with their experience of existential loneliness…

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Resolving a Meta-emotional Mismatch…

According to Gottman Couples Therapy, resolving a meta-emotional mismatch involves understanding and managing the differences in emotional expression and processing between partners.

This concept is crucial in maintaining emotional connection and intimacy within a relationship, as it addresses how couples perceive, understand, and respond to each other's emotions.

Let’s explore some key aspects of meta-emotional awareness, its impact on relationships, and practical strategies from Gottman Couples Therapy to resolve these mismatches effectively…

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The 2 (somewhat contradictory) best methods for dealing with Social Anxiety…

This study shows that relaxation and exercise caused people to view their environments differently.

After either relaxing or exercising, humans are less likely to interpret neutral social signals as threatening — something that people with social anxiety tend to do.

This might have huge implications for neurodiverse couples…

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Can intellectually stimulating conversations enhance your intimacy?

When it comes to intimacy, can intellect be a turn-on?

Let's explore this intriguing topic with insights from leading minds in couples therapy.

Imagine a couple deeply engrossed in a lively debate about the latest scientific discovery or lost in a shared passion for Charles Bukowski…

There's a spark in their eyes, an energy that goes beyond conversation. This is the allure of intellectual stimulation in a relationship…

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

What is a Monotropic Spiral?

Monotropism suggests that some neurodiverse humans focus intensely on one or a few interests or stimuli at a time rather than spreading their attention across multiple stimuli as neurotypical individuals might.

I discuss these ideas with Mona Kay on the first episode of my new podcast.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Problem-solving and ASD…

Valerie L. Gaus, in her book "Living Well on the Spectrum," introduces a therapeutic intervention called "problem-solving" tailored for folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This approach empowers them to navigate challenges and improve their quality of life.

Let's discuss into the essence of Gaus's problem-solving intervention and how it can benefit those with ASD…

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

ASD and eye contact…

In her book "Living on the Spectrum," Valerie L. Gaus introduces the concept of "eye punctuation," which refers to the various ways in which humans use eye contact to convey meaning in social interactions.

But for folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), understanding and interpreting these cues can be challenging…

However, with practice and training, humans with ASD can learn to decipher the nuances of eye contact and improve their social communication skills.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Is the Flow State a gateway to mental wellness and physical health?

Researchers have unearthed a profound correlation between the elusive "flow" state and mental and physical well-being in a groundbreaking study.

This state, characterized by intense engagement and deep enjoyment in an activity, has been linked to many benefits for those naturally inclined to experience it, known as folks with high "flow proneness."

The study reveals that folks with high flow proneness are significantly less susceptible to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress disorders.

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