Family with a Child or Spouse
on the Autism Spectrum

Everyone struggles with the autism spectrum.

Living with a family member on the autism spectrum can be very confusing. It’s a nightmare to struggle alone while living with someone with a limited range of emotions.

Parents of children on the autism spectrum can feel that no one understands. Trying to explain the situation is like describing an alien planet. Unless the other person is from the same planet, they can’t know what you are saying.

You knew something was off, that it wasn’t a phase, but the people you need the most may have dismissed your concerns.

Doctors, counselors, teachers, friends, family, and sometimes spouses don’t understand these children’s challenges. They also can’t understand how hard this is for you.

Having a spouse with autism or Asperger’s syndrome is challenging.

Couples struggle for a long time before they understand what’s happening. It’s hard to come to grips with the problem. The neurotypical spouse wants a partner but often feels like they have to parent their spouse.

When the spouse is high functioning, it only makes things harder for everyone else to understand what’s happening. The spouse may go out of their way for everyone else who can’t see what life is like behind closed doors. Friends say, “All marriages have their ups and downs.” They can’t understand your embarrassment or situation.

A neurodiverse spouse can have an astounding lack of awareness and insight. They may blame you for all the troubles because they can’t see their contribution to the situation. They may say that what you saw didn’t even happen.

When your spouse repeats the same thing all day, you can’t help but feel they think you’re an idiot. You’re criticized, dismissed, and ignored. They can’t recognize your emotional needs, and you begin to lose yourself.

You know your spouse loves you, but you need an emotional connection, too. You feel resentful because you know you deserve better.

Family members feel the pain.

You want to talk about something new, but your family member can’t. They are stuck on the topic of the day. They have no idea how much they repeat the same information.

They get louder and louder and can have such a short temper, yet they are the only one who doesn’t know they are yelling.

As much as you want to enjoy time with your neurodiverse family member, it’s exhausting.

Dealing with that family member is most challenging for the spouse, parent, or siblings.

Therapy helps everyone.

You’ve been dismissed, ignored, and blamed. Working with a therapist will make you feel seen, heard, and validated because it’s been so long since you’ve had that. For once, your reality will become the focal point. You will be able to share your challenges with someone who understands.

I can relate because I also have family members on the autism spectrum. I tie this lived experience with more than 20 years of experience as a therapist to give you tools to solve your problems in healthy ways. I will help you step back and see the situation in new ways.

You mourn the life you thought you would have and may feel resentful. We will work from there. Together, we will work to process your emotions. As a result, you will gain clarity of mind, learn to trust yourself, and be more self-confident.

You will have the tools to take on the demands of loving someone with autism.

The time is now to address those struggles.

It would be best to have support and know that you feel understood.

I have the experience and training to help you and your family overcome the struggles brought about by living with autism spectrum.

We can work together to help you move forward and make life easier for everyone involved.

Let’s begin! Select your time for counseling.