Support for the Experience of Neurotypical Spouses in Dysfunctional Neurodiverse Marriages
Chronic Stress & Chronic Illness: when neurodiverse marriage makes us sick
Among neurotypical partners who identify with experiencing Ongoing Traumatic Relationship Syndrome (OTRS), a strong correlation exists between chronic stress and the development of chronic illness. Those who suffer from OTRS experience various adverse complexities within their neurodiverse relationship. Over time, the turmoil of unremitting marital discord takes a serious, and sometimes irreversible, physical toll. Neurodiverse…
Part 2: The Antithetical Nature of “Partnership” with a PDA Spouse
Our introductory post regarding Pathological Demand Avoidance can be found here. As a behavioral profile of autism, PDA is exceptionally challenging to navigate in a neurodiverse relationship. By its nature, marriage intrinsically necessitates collaboration – which requires reasonable agreeability on the part of both spouses. If a PDA partner chronically pursues autonomy at the expense…
Part 1: Autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance, and …Sociopathy?
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a term used to reference a pattern of severe, chronic resistance toward cooperation with ordinary requests in daily life. PDA is considered by many to be an atypical presentation of autism, and has qualities that are seemingly inverse. Also referred to as Extreme Demand Avoidance, or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy,…
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