The Role of "Unknown" Neurodiversity in Reprocessing Family Memories and How This Can Impact Your Romantic Relationships-Guest Co-host-Nicole Knowlton

During this episode, Mona and her guest co-host Nicole Knowlton share how "unknown" autism and neurodiversity impacted the relationships they had with their neurodivergent father's (and other members of their families). In addition, they address how the issues in their "family of origin" impacted their relationships with their ex-husbands.

The other topics addressed include:

• How reprocessing memories and past hurts makes it easier to have peace.
• Reparenting yourself and forgiving your parents.
• The value of understanding challenges with emotional intimacy through a neurodivergent lens.
• Understanding the addictions that family members may have had to help them cope with "unknown" neurodiversity.
• Learning how to accept and forgive, and focusing on healing, can help lighten our hearts.
• Misunderstanding communication styles during family gatherings and the possible impact of sensory sensitivities, emotional overload or socializing differences.
• How masking by family members can begin to make sense.
• Gaining better understanding of controlling behaviors or emotional abuse.
• Holding on to anger, resentment and judgement can increase ongoing suffering.
• The value of healing and identifying your stress responses.
• Having safe conversations about neurodiversity may create challenges, because of stereotypes and pathologizing.
• The need to create boundaries and share non-negotiables, even when family members don't want to accept or acknowledge neurodiversity.
• The importance of articulating how it makes you feel when a parent/family member communicates in an "unintentionally" hurtful way.
• Why some partners or family members may fawn/people-please or shutdown.
• The importance of better communication, expressing your needs, self-awareness, and being willing to work beyond the discomfort.
• The importance of family members educating themselves about autism and neurodiversity.

Mona and Nicole end this episode with a few of the lessons they have learned on their journey to reprocess family memories and understand how their "family of origin" impacted their marriages.

You can contact Nicole Knowlton at: NicoleMKnowlton@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter or Instagram @aspietherapist

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