Welcome to the Myth Busting Neurodiverse Relationships Podcast, with hosts Natalie Roberts and Heather Parks, busting myths about neurodiverse relationships that we’ve realised aren’t true and that were preventing us from recovering and having the relationships and connection with partners and children that we desperately wanted. We’re here to give you hope that change is possible!
Listen on Spotify or your favourite podcast player or watch and subscribe on YouTube.
Do you recognise that your partner (and/or your neurodivergent children) are in a defence state?
When Heather and I first came across the term defence mode in relation to our partners and children, it was clear to us that this was a big factor in what we were finding challenging. It made total sense and brought a new level of understanding.
However, what we weren’t so quick to see, was how our own defensive patterns were contributing to the situation. This is partly because it is harder to have self awareness and we were so focussed on looking outside of ourselves for understanding and solutions rather than inwardly reflecting. It was also because the traditional, better known fight/flight defence states didn’t seem to apply to us.
As we began to learn how these and other lesser known defensive states can present, we began to realise that we, too, have defensive patterns and these were a big factor in the relational challenges we were experiencing.
In this episode we talk about how fight/flight can present in ways you may not have recognised, as well as discussing the lesser know states of freeze, fawn and flop.
There is support for you in Loving Difference!
What is Loving Difference?
We’re an online membership community bringing together anyone in a neurodiverse relationship who’s looking for new ways to reverse the impact of unknown neurodiversity and thrive in their relationship and life. Loving Difference is hosted by Coaches with experience navigating life with difference.
We guide members to learn about themselves and their loved ones in a safe, non-judgmental community so that we can inspire and encourage each other to love the unconventional and beautiful differences in ourselves and in our homes.
Lots of love,
