Neurodivergent Couples Therapy: Navigating Relationships with Diverse Neurotypes - 6 hours

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• CE Hours Included: 6 (please see below for details)
• Format: On-Demand Webinar (“Asynchronous”, Non-Interactive) ~ At your leisure this recorded video is to be viewed at your own pace. You may pause, rewind, and fast forward at any point during the videos. You are in complete control of how you view this workshop. It also comes with a PowerPoint and references. There is a quiz at the end to ensure viewing and required by all CE approval organizations.
  • NOTE: Your certificate will be dated when you complete the course - Click here for more detailed information on the best way to do this: https://www.theknowledgetree.org/p/help
• Investment: $140 (provides lifetime access!)
• Presented by: Brandon Browne, LPC (see bio below)
• Date of Recording: October 16, 2026
• Instruction Level: Intermediate
• Target Audience: Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists
• This workshop is not yet available; by pre-registering, you will receive immediate access when it becomes available in October.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this workshop in its entirety, you will be able to:

• Describe the core features, neurobiological mechanisms, and relationship impacts of ADHD, autism, and sensory processing differences in neurodivergent couples.
• Analyze communication patterns, emotional processing differences, and attribution errors that contribute to conflict and misunderstanding in neurodivergent relationships.
• Apply neurodiversity-informed assessment and intervention strategies to improve regulation, communication, and treatment outcomes in neurodivergent couples.
• Demonstrate the use of structured communication tools and phase-based treatment planning approaches when working with neurodivergent couples.
• Identify sensory, communication, and desire-related factors that influence sexuality and intimacy in neurodivergent relationships and select appropriate clinical interventions.
• Explain ethical, cultural, and neurodiversity-affirming considerations relevant to competent clinical practice with neurodivergent couples.

Workshop Description:

Have you ever worked with a couple who seemed deeply committed to one another yet remained stuck in cycles of misunderstanding, conflict, withdrawal, or emotional disconnection despite sincere efforts to improve their relationship? Neurodivergent couples, including those affected by ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, or other neurodevelopmental variations, often face challenges that are easily misunderstood through traditional couples therapy frameworks. Behaviors commonly viewed as defensiveness, lack of empathy, avoidance, rigidity, or poor motivation may instead reflect differences in communication, emotional processing, executive functioning, sensory experiences, and nervous system regulation.

This workshop provides a practical, neurodiversity-informed framework for understanding and treating neurodivergent couples. Drawing from neurobiological, attachment-based, cognitive-behavioral, and systems-oriented perspectives, participants will learn how neurodivergence shapes relationship dynamics and how neurotypical and neurodivergent partners often misinterpret one another’s intentions, creating cycles of conflict, shame, and disconnection.

Through case examples, assessment strategies, treatment-planning frameworks, communication tools, and practical therapeutic techniques, attendees will gain evidence-informed interventions they can apply immediately. Topics include emotional regulation, executive functioning, sensory differences, intimacy, masking, clinician bias, and ethical practice. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped to adapt couples therapy approaches for neurodivergent clients, create individualized treatment plans, and help couples build stronger, more connected, and more sustainable relationships.

Workshop Agenda:

• Foundations of Neurodivergence in Couples
  • Describe the core features, neurobiological mechanisms, and relationship impacts of ADHD, autism, and sensory processing differences in neurodivergent couples. (60 minutes)
    • Limitations of traditional couples therapy models when applied to neurodivergent couples (e.g., EFT, Gottman Method)
    • Clinical definition and scope of neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, and sensory processing differences
    • Differences in relational functioning between individuals with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder
    • Neurobiological mechanisms influencing emotional regulation (e.g., executive functioning, limbic system, dopamine)
    • Impact of sensory processing differences on daily interactions and relationship functioning
    • Differences in communication patterns between neurotypical and neurodivergent partners
    • Role of literal versus inferential communication in contributing to relational conflict
    • Impact of alexithymia on emotional awareness, expression, and relationship functioning
    • Attachment patterns in neurodivergent individuals and differences from neurotypical presentations
    • Emotional processing mismatches between neurodivergent and neurotypical partners
    • Impact of cognitive processing speed, pacing, and response timing on conflict escalation
    • Concept of “bids for connection” and how they are missed or misinterpreted in neurodivergent couples
    • Observable interactional patterns and early indicators of relational breakdown
    • Common misinterpretations and attribution errors related to neurodivergent behaviors
    • Key behavioral and interactional patterns
• Assessment and Meaning-Making
  • Analyze assessment findings, attribution errors, and meaning-making processes that contribute to conflict and misunderstanding in neurodivergent relationships. (60 minutes)
    • Expanded assessment domains for neurodivergent couples, including executive functioning, sensory processing, and communication
    • Impact of executive functioning deficits on relationship dynamics
    • Clinically relevant sensory processing domains for assessment
    • Assessment of cognitive variability and uneven skill profiles
    • Use of validated tools and frameworks for neurodivergent-informed assessment
    • Interaction of individual neurocognitive and sensory profiles within the couple
    • Distinction between observable behavior and underlying intention in relationships
    • Common patterns of misattribution in neurodivergent couples
    • Types of attribution errors impacting relationship functioning
    • Role of shame in reinforcing misinterpretation and conflict cycles
    • Influence of personal and relational narratives on ongoing conflict patterns
    • Clinical strategies for interrupting maladaptive meaning-making
    • Application of cognitive and relational reframing in-session
    • Techniques for validating both partners within conflicting perspectives
    • Impact of reframing on treatment outcomes and clinical trajectory
  • Apply neurodiversity-informed therapeutic frameworks and intervention strategies to improve regulation, communication, and treatment outcomes in neurodivergent couples. (60 minutes)
    • Overview of evidence-based couples therapy models applicable to neurodivergent couples
    • Limitations of common couples therapy modalities with neurodivergent clients
    • Adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for neurodivergent couples
    • Role of structure, predictability, and clarity in treatment effectiveness
    • Clinical factors guiding selection of therapeutic frameworks
    • Patterns of escalation and dysregulation in couples therapy sessions
    • Early indicators of emotional dysregulation in neurodivergent clients
    • In-session techniques for de-escalation and slowing emotional reactivity
    • Use of co-regulation strategies during heightened emotional states
    • Therapist modeling of emotional regulation in session
    • Clinical decision-making regarding pausing or interrupting sessions
    • Strategies for re-engaging partners following escalation or shutdown
    • Role of predictability and routine in improving engagement
    • Strategies for maintaining therapeutic alliance during conflict
    • Modification of in-session interventions during escalation
  • Organize communication tools and phase-based treatment planning strategies to improve clarity, engagement, and treatment outcomes in neurodivergent couples. (60 minutes)
    • Limitations of unstructured or open-ended conversations in neurodivergent couples
    • Principles of communication scaffolding in clinical practice
    • Use of structured communication scripts to improve clarity
    • Application of turn-taking systems in couples therapy
    • Use of visual supports to enhance understanding and organization
    • Therapeutic tools for reducing ambiguity and increasing communication clarity
    • Strategies for teaching tools without overwhelming clients
    • Definition and structure of phase-based treatment planning
    • Goals and interventions in Phase 1: stabilization
    • Goals and interventions in Phase 2: skill-building
    • Goals and interventions in Phase 3: integration and maintenance
    • Considerations for pacing treatment in neurodivergent couples
    • Common errors in treatment planning for neurodivergent couples
    • Methods for tracking progress and treatment outcomes
    • Integration of communication tools within phased treatment planning
• Sexuality and Intimacy in Neurodivergent Couples
  • Identify sensory, communication, and desire-related factors that influence sexuality and intimacy in neurodivergent couples and select appropriate clinical interventions. (60 minutes)
    • Under-assessment of sexuality and intimacy in neurodivergent couples therapy
    • Impact of sensory processing differences on physical intimacy
    • Patterns of sexual desire discrepancies in neurodivergent couples
    • Influence of communication differences on sexual connection and expression
    • Barriers to intimacy unique to neurodivergent couples
    • Best practices for assessing sexual functioning in a clinically appropriate manner
    • Strategies for normalizing differences in sexual preferences and communication
    • Interventions to improve sexual communication and mutual understanding
    • Approaches for addressing mismatched sexual desire
    • Role of scheduling and structure in supporting intimacy
    • Use of sensory accommodations to improve comfort and satisfaction
    • Strategies for reducing shame and avoidance in discussions of sexuality
    • Psychoeducation approaches related to sexual functioning and sensory needs
    • Integration of intimacy work into ongoing couples therapy
    • Clinical adjustments for addressing sexuality in neurodivergent couples
  • Explain ethical, cultural, and neurodiversity-affirming considerations relevant to competent clinical practice with neurodivergent couples. (60 minutes)
    • Definition and application of neurodiversity-affirming care in couples therapy
    • Use of strengths-based approaches with neurodivergent couples
    • Strategies for avoiding pathologizing neurodivergent traits
    • Concept and impact of masking in neurodivergent individuals
    • Influence of clinician bias on diagnosis and treatment outcomes
    • Common misdiagnoses and diagnostic overlaps in neurodivergent populations
    • Manifestation of power dynamics within neurodivergent couples
    • Ethical dilemmas in working with neurodivergent couples
    • Strategies for maintaining neutrality while validating both partners
    • Indications for referral to additional services or supports
    • Intersection of cultural, social, and identity factors with neurodivergence
    • Core competencies required for ethical clinical practice
    • Methods for evaluating and addressing clinician bias
    • Indicators of effective long-term outcomes in neurodivergent couples therapy
    • Recommended changes to clinical practice for improved effectiveness

Presented by: Brandon Browne, LPC

Brandon Browne, MA, LPC, is the Owner and Clinical Director of Mind & Body Christian Health Group in Kennesaw, Georgia. A Licensed Professional Counselor since 2009 and a Certified PEERS® for Adolescents Provider, Brandon has devoted his career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with resilience and compassion. His clinical expertise includes ADHD, autism spectrum presentations, trauma, marriage and relational dynamics, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, with a focus on integrative approaches that address both mental and physical health.

In addition to his clinical work, Brandon is a seasoned workshop presenter and podcast guest, known for making complex mental health topics accessible and practical for clinicians. From 2009 to 2015, he served in youth and counseling leadership at Eagle’s Landing Christian Counseling and has since continued to lead a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals at Mind & Body Christian Health Group. He is the co-author of The Whole Self ADHD Guide: Cultivating Focus, Connection, and Joy (with Brittany Browne) and the author of Mind & Body: Christian Health Group Therapy Guide.

In this workshop, Brandon draws upon years of experience working with neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families to examine how ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, executive functioning challenges, and communication differences shape relationship dynamics. Participants will gain evidence-informed strategies for assessment, case conceptualization, treatment planning, emotional regulation, communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution. Through a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based framework, Brandon equips clinicians to adapt established couples therapy models for diverse neurotypes, helping partners move beyond cycles of misunderstanding and toward greater connection, mutual understanding, and sustainable relationship satisfaction.

6 "Asynchronous" CE Hours Included - Details by License Type Below:

• PSYCHOLOGISTS: The Knowledge Tree, A Summit Professional Education Company is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Knowledge Tree, A Summit Professional Education Company maintains responsibility for this program and its content. For more detailed information on the current CE ruling in Georgia, or if you are licensed in another state or country, please click here.
• COUNSELORS: The Knowledge Tree, A Summit Professional Education Company has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP), ACEP No. 7153. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Knowledge Tree, A Summit Professional Education Company is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
  • GA: Counselors in GA will receive 6 Core Hours for completing this course. Please click here for more detailed information.
• SOCIAL WORKERS: The Knowledge Tree, a Summit Professional Education Company, provider #2470, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/14/2026-1/14/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 6 clinical continuing education credits.
  • GA: Social Workers in GA will receive 6 Core Hours for completing this course. Please click here for more detailed information.
• MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS: TKT has applied for approval for this workshop through the Georgia Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (GAMFT). If you are licensed in another state or country, please click here for more detailed information.

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