DOCTORAL FINAL EXAMINATION
for Janina Damm

Chair: Gail Oneal

Friday, November 17, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

How Do Mental Health Professionals Provide Therapy
to Couples in Neurodiverse Relationships:
A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

This study examines the social processes mental health professionals use to counsel neurodiverse couples. While the prevalence of autism continues to rise in all areas of society, therapists are in uncharted waters in the world of couples’ therapy. Neurodiverse couples are the nascent challenge in mixed relationships, where one partner is on the spectrum and the other partner is neurotypical. Some partners with autism may not know they have autism. Neurodiverse couples have unique challenges not found in other relationship dyads. National guidelines have not yet been established. A constructivist grounded theory framework utilizing guided interviews to understand the processes therapists use to develop effective therapy. Key categories emerged including, ‘Belief systems,’ Training,’ and ‘Communication’ served as underpinnings that guided therapists. This study uncovers a duality of pathways inspired by personal epistemologies which drive decision-making. A social justice component emerges from the data that is unexpected.

This research highlights disparities associated with how therapists understand and assimilate the complexities of neurodiverse relationships. The findings demonstrate a need for professional guidelines for practice. It shows a need for professional certification of skills specializing in autism-informed knowledge for mental health practitioners. Professional agencies lack a global reference of autism-informed knowledge and strategies for adults with autism. This highlights the implications from this research. Service professionals who work with people need autism-informed knowledge to practice competently, effectively and to prevent unintentional harm.

Nursing programs that prepare nurses with autism-informed knowledge, will forge a significant, positive experiential impact on healthcare and the outcomes for patients with autism, neurodiverse couples, and their families. Nurses at the frontline of healthcare will have the skillset and tools to provide tailored neurodevelopmental-specific care, collaborate with autism-informed multidisciplinary teams and advocate for the diagnosed and undiagnosed neurodiverse patient population.

Zoom Information

Zoom:  https://wsu.zoom.us/j/93755776828?pwd=UXVDdksvSGlySngzR21kdDhXTHNqQT09

Meeting ID: 937 5577 6828; Passcode:  756061