Healing Cassandra: A Compassionate Look at ASD-1 Partners-Stephen Robertson
Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay, MSW, Ph.D.Show Notes
If you would like to learn more about the resources Mona offers you can check out the links below. Buy the Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or Workbook Newsletter | Instagram | Website | YouTube Mona also offers supports groups for neurodiverse couples and non-autistic/neurotypical partners. Learn more here. If you would like to buy life-time access to the 31 video sessions from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference click here and use code Podcast50 to get $50 off the price. ____________________________________________________________ During this session from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference, Stephen Robertson, LMFT shares information about the group work he has done with Autistic men. In his work as a psychotherapist, he has observed the profound impact of neurodiverse-NT relationships on both partners, yet the male ASD-1 perspective is often overlooked. In 2023, he began facilitating men’s therapy groups specifically for ASD-1 individuals and was struck by the glaring lack of specialist support available to them. These men shared deeply about their experiences, challenges, and hopes, and he was moved by their courage and desire to connect. In this episode, Stephen highlights the stories and struggles of male ASD-1 partners, challenges the stigma they often face, and he explores how we can create safe therapeutic spaces for them to share their experience, strength, and hope. By broadening the narrative, we can foster deeper understanding and compassion in neurodiverse-NT relationships.
Stephen Robertson is a Licensed Marriage, and Family Therapist (LMFT) and autistic individual (ASD-1). He offers a unique blend of lived experience and clinical expertise in supporting neurodiverse-NT couples. His work focuses on helping partners navigate the complexities of neurodiverse relationships, fostering emotional connection, and building understanding through practical tools and compassionate guidance. In 2023, Stephen launched therapy groups for ASD-1 men, uncovering an urgent need for spaces where they can safely share their struggles and strengths. These groups have become a cornerstone of his mission to empower neurodivergent men and challenge the stigma they often face in relationships. Stephen’s trauma-informed, strength-based approach integrates modalities like Internal Family Systems and Emotion-Focused Therapy. He is passionate about redefining the narrative around neurodiverse relationships, celebrating their unique strengths, and helping clients create meaningful, fulfilling connections.
You can contact Stephen at the link below: https://www.therapy4autisticmen.com/stephen-robertson
More from Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay, MSW, Ph.D.
It has been an honor and a privilege for me to have hosted and co-hosted the Neurodiverse Love podcast since the fall of 2020. I will be forever grateful to my dear friend Olga, who agreed to start this podcast journey with me in the middle of the pandemic, and to all my co-hosts who have partnered with me along the way: Manecia, Greg, Nicole and Bronwyn.
This wonderful conversation is one of the amazing panel discussions from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference.
The four part Neurodiverse Love Docuseries shows how 4 neurodiverse couples navigate different communication styles, emotional needs, sensory and physical intimacy differences, and employment and special interests. In addition, three therapists/coaches who work with neurodiverse couples share strategies, tools and insights that can help neurodiverse couples navigate their strengths, challenges and differences. Check out the first 2 episodes here: https://www.neurodiverselove.com/the-documentary
The intro and first two episodes of the Neurodiverse Love Docuseries are available here. The first episode addresses communication differences and the second episode focuses on emotional reciprocity.
This episode is a very informative panel discussion from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference. The following individuals participated in this conversation and I hope you find the information they shared helpful.