I’ve spent much of my life navigating the complexities of relationships where one partner has different emotional and neurological needs. Diagnosed with autism at 32, I’ve had to learn how to express my needs, cope with sensory overload, and create healthy boundaries—all while working to overcome the effects of childhood sexual abuse. At times, I felt misunderstood or disconnected from those I loved, especially when I couldn’t communicate my struggles or when my partner didn’t fully understand my trauma responses. Along the way, I also faced significant health challenges, including using a cane for a period of time, which added another layer to my emotional load. But I didn’t give up on my relationships. Instead, I began to reframe conflict as an opportunity to understand each other more deeply, recognizing that both my neurodivergence and my partner's emotional needs were valid. Through a combination of therapy, personal growth, and the discipline of a carnivore diet, I found strategies to create more meaningful connections. Now, I specialize in helping couples like mine—one partner living with trauma or neurodivergence, the other without—navigate their challenges in a compassionate, effective way.