101 for Couples: Fundamentals of Recognizing and Understanding Neurodiversity in a Relationship

In a neurodiverse relationship? This online, self-paced course is for you!

For neurodiverse intimate relationships — a relationships in which one or both partners identify as Autistic or Neurdivergent — improving connection requires an awareness of each partner’s neurological profile and an understanding of the role their neurological differences have on the relationship.

Neurodiverse Couples Institute

Founded in 2016, the Neurodiverse Couples Institute offers training and resources for neurodiverse couples and the therapists and coaches who work with them.

Online courses, Training 101 and Certification 201, are based on the Myhill/Jekel* model for effectively treating neurodiverse couples in therapy. In 2021, a new online course for couples, 101 for Couples, was developed by the Neurodiverse Couples Institute to help couples recognize and understand what it means to be in a neurodiverse relationship.

Successful completion of the two online courses for couples/partners therapists entitles participants to be certified by AANE and included on a Map of AANE Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapists so neurodiverse couples in need can find trained therapists.

* Grace Myhill, Director of the Neurodiverse Couples Institute, and Dania Jekel, founder and former Executive Director of AANE, developed and copyrighted the model for treating neurodiverse couples in therapy.

Check out the courses offered for therapists and coaches.

Included in this 3 hour self-paced online course:

  • 2 video interviews with neurodiverse couples on recognizing neurodiversity 
  • 2 video interviews with neurodiverse couples about understanding neurodiversity
  • 4 lectures by experts in the field of neurodiverse couples therapy
  • 4 downloadable PDFs about Autistic traits, stories by neurotypical partners, stories by Autistic partners, and recommended resources

Intimate interviews with neurodiverse couples are enlightening.

Many couples come to the realization that they are in a neurodiverse relationship decades into their relationship, after listening to a podcast, reading a book, or watching a movie that includes a character with an Autistic profile. But recognizing neurodiversity is just the beginning … then what? How does neurodiversity impact an intimate relationship? What is the effect on the couple together and on each partner separately?

The couples you will meet in this course love each other and work hard to understand and accept their differences.

Pete—a physician, and Ann, a nurse, who work together—were married for many years before they discovered that they were a neurodiverse couple. Once they recognized that Pete is Autistic, they were determined to understand how Pete’s autism impacted their relationship.   

Ann & Pete
Married for almost 40 years

Watch these lectures from experts in the field:

  • Neurology Really Matters, Grace Myhill, MSW. Learn why it can be difficult for couples therapists to recognize autism in their clients.
  • Recognizing Neurodiversity in a Couple, Grace Myhill, MSW. Identify traits commonly seen in an Autistic partner, and typical reactions and responses of neurotypical partners to their partner on the spectrum.
  • Overview of Asperger’s & Autism and It’s Impact on a Couple, Jamie Freed, MSW. Learn the strengths and challenges Autistic traits bring and their impact on the relationship. 
  • Understanding the Impact of Neurodiversity on a Couple, Grace Myhill, MSW. Learn why it is important to reframe a couple as neurodiverse and to find support to validate and normalize each partner’s experience.
Please take AANE’s brief survey to help us better understand the unique needs of neurodiverse partners.

Course Materials

List of Downloadable PDFs for Participants

FAQs

Who should take 101 FOR COUPLES?

How and when do I pay? 

Is there financial assistance?

Can I get a refund after I pay for a course?

Can I take these courses on my computer, tablet, or smartphone?

Who do I contact with questions, technical issues, or customer service?

How do I request special accommodations?

What do I do if I have a complaint or a grievance?

Who are the instructors?

Can I share the course materials?

Do you offer CE credits for 101 FOR COUPLES?

Stay Current

Subscribe for AANE weekly emails, monthly news, updates, and more!