Connecting Through Our Differences: A Therapy Group for Couples Navigating Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence in Relationships 

Every romantic relationship involves differences between individuals that shape
communication, conflict, intimacy, and daily life. When one or more partners are
neurodivergent, these individual differences often feel magnified due to unique
challenges that neurodivergent individuals face.
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What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is a difference in how the brain processes information, emotion,
attention, and sensory input. It reflects different ways of thinking, feeling, and
responding to the world. Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges in
navigating interpersonal dynamics and conflict resolution. In a world that has been
largely designed for neurotypical expectations, it can leave neurodivergent couples
feeling isolated and lost.

Common Challenges in Neurodivergent Relationships

Although every couple is unique, there are common challenges that neurodivergent
couples might face:

• Communication misses or feeling “out of sync”
• Overwhelm, shutdowns, or different pacing in conflict
• Tension around planning, chores, and executive functioning
• Masking, burnout, or fear of being “too much” or “not enough”

Your Partner Is Not the Enemy

Neurodivergence isn’t something to “fix.” Challenges usually arise not from the people
themselves, but from mismatched expectations and patterns that neither partner quite
understands how to manage.

The Strengths Neurodivergent Partners Bring

It’s equally important to name the gifts neurodivergent partners often bring to
relationships:

• Deep honesty and straightforward communication
• Intense loyalty
• Passionate interests and creativity
• Unique problem-solving perspectives
• Deep empathy
• Consistency in values and commitment

When couples learn how to understand each other, these strengths become powerful
connectors rather than points of tension.

A Supportive Space to Explore Your Differences Together

If this resonates, our 6-week support group, Connecting Through Our Differences, offers
a supportive space for partners navigating neurodivergence in their relationship. The
group is designed for people who want to better understand how neurodivergent traits
shape communication, conflict, emotional connection, and shared responsibilities.
Using a collaborative, relationship-focused, neurodiversity-affirming approach, the group
emphasizes understanding rather than change. Participants engage in guided
conversations, skill-building, and reflection alongside others who are navigating similar
dynamics.

You don’t need to have clear answers or a specific diagnosis to join. We just ask for a
willingness to show up with curiosity and openness. Together, we will focus on building
clarity, connection, and practical next steps that feel authentic to the people involved.

Should I Register? 

Is your relationship full of tension fueled by neurodivergent traits such as sensory overwhelm,
executive dysfunction, rejection sensitivity, or conflict that gets lost in the details? You are not
alone. Many relationships experience unique stressors due to neurodivergence.
We created Connecting Through Our Differences for people exactly like you.

This 6-week group uses a collaborative, relationship-focused approach that normalizes
neurodivergent experiences. Our focus is not on changing who you are, or to help you fit into the
neurotypical expectation of what a relationship “should” look like. Rather, we aim to assist you
in fostering a deeper understanding of your differences so you can move forward together as
your authentic selves.

What Happens in the Group?

Each week, we’ll gather for 2 hours in a small, supportive circle of other neurodivergent partners
who also experience the challenges of neurodivergence. Together, we’ll explore things like:

• Do we really understand each other?
• Why are we always fighting about shared responsibilities?
• Are we truly connected on an emotional level?
• What would it look like to take a small step toward understanding and
  accommodating neurodivergent attributes?

Each session includes:

• Check-ins
• Skill building
• Education for deeper understanding of neurodivergence
• Activities and conversations that enhance understanding and collaboration
• Reflections and takeaways you can carry into your week

You don’t need to “have it all figured out” to join. You just need to be willing to show up and get
curious about your relationship.

This group might be for you if…

• Feel like missed social cues and semantics are fueling conflict
• Struggle with imbalanced distribution of labor at home
• Want to feel more understood, connected, and supported in your relationship
• Crave a space where you can learn valuable relational skills among your peers without judgment

What you’ll walk away with after 6 weeks:

• Greater awareness of how neurodivergence impacts your relationship
• Knowledge of when and how to accommodate when needed
• Practice regulating emotions and engaging in healthy communication
• A group of peers who get it
• You won’t leave with a “fix”—because you’re not broken. But you will leave with clarity,
  connection, and some next steps that feel true to you

Details:

• Who: Partners age 18 and up with one or more individuals with neurodivergence or
  suspected neurodivergence.
• When: 3-5pm on Saturdays, February 21st – March 28th
• Where: Kalamazoo Therapy Group, 1901 Parkview Avenue
• Cost: $5-$90 sliding scale fee
• Facilitated by: Carly Jacobs, PC & MFT Intern and Emmett Lincoln, MFT Intern Seats available: 4 Partners (therefore registration is required for this event)

Ready to join us? Register using the form below.

Spots are limited to 4 partners so we can keep things personal and connected. Register here:

If you can’t attend this event, but you’re interested in similar events in the future, join our waitlist!

Have questions? Reach out to: carlyj@kzootherapy.com or emmett@kzootherapy.com