Connecting With Your Asperger Partner

by Weston, Louise

• ISBN13: 9781849051309
• ISBN10: 1849051305
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-08-15
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub

Summary

Communication and intimacy can feel like a constant struggle in relationships where one partner has Asperger Syndrome (AS). For the neuro-typical partner (NT) in particular, this can be an endless source of frustration, misunderstandings, and tears. Drawing on her own experience of being married to a man with AS, Louise Weston shows that the road to intimacy begins with letting go of expectations and looking after your own physical and emotional needs. She provides tried-and-tested strategies for relating to and connecting with your AS partner, as well as useful tips for coping with hurtful words and meltdowns, helping your partner to interpret emotions, and finding further sources of help and support. Above all, she shows that although your AS/NT relationship will challenge you beyond what you ever thought possible, by letting go of expectations and respecting each others' differences, this unique partnership really can be both happy and successful. Brimming with stories and advice from other NT partners, this practical book will help NTs take positive steps towards connecting with their AS partners. It will also be a useful resource for counsellors and other professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of AS/NT relationships.

Author Biography

Louise Weston is a Registered Nurse from Queensland, Australia. She was the former coordinator of a monthly support group for NT partners and spouses of individuals with Asperger Syndrome. She has a Bachelor of Nursing degree and a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. Louise is happily married to her husband, Graham. After they were married in 1999, Graham was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. His diagnosis was inspirational in writing this book.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 9
Foreword	p. 11
About This Book	p. 13
Helpful Hints	p. 16
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back	p. 19
'Letting Go of Expectations'	p. 27
Maintaining Your 'Energy Cup'	p. 38
Does A Diagnosis Help?	p. 52
Letting Go of Control	p. 61
Communication Strategies	p. 69
Helping Your Partner Interpret Emotions	p. 82
Surviving Blunt and Harsh Words	p. 94
Coping with Meltdowns	p. 108
Regaining Your Identity	p. 125
Beginning to Reconnect	p. 140
Connecting Intimately	p. 148
The Importance of a Support Group	p. 158
Entering into the Aspie's World	p. 165
The Unique Partnership	p. 178
Afterword	p. 186
Bibliography	p. 192
Index	p. 196
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.