
Identifying Domestic Violence in Neurodiverse Relationships-Brooke LaLone
Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay, MSW, Ph.D.Show Notes
This presentation aims to help clarify and identify domestic violence in Neurodiverse relationships. From lived personal experience, and hearing the experiences of her clients, Brooke has realized that often the warning signs sometimes cannot be easily identifiable. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and can affect all neurotypes. This presentation will explore the reasons why domestic violence can be missed or minimized in the relationship or in therapy, and how this can be very harmful for the victim. Please note: Not all Neurodiverse relationships are abusive, and not all Neurodiverse individuals are abusive, either. Brooke does work with many Neurodiverse couples and individuals that are healthy and safe.
If you are in danger or need further assistance leaving a domestic violence situation, please visit: https://www.thehotline.org/ https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizations
Brooke LaLone, LMFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist located in Rochester, NY. Brooke is a certified Neurodiverse Couples therapist through AANE. Brooke specializes also in perinatal mental health, eating disorders, and trauma recovery. Brooke was previously in a Neurodiverse marriage for 4.5 years, and it did end in 2024 due to irreconcilable differences, and domestic violence. Brooke is now using her experience to help all neurotypes to improve their relationships, heal from their own traumatic experiences, help domestic violence survivors, and provide support for neurodivergent individuals navigating relationships. In her free time, she loves playing with her 3 year old daughter, going on hikes, exploring the Finger Lakes, reading, and spending time with her family.
You can contact Brooke at the link below: https://www.brookewardlmft.com/
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.