You are not alone if you are in a relationship with an autistic or narcissistic partner. Based on April Anderson's memoir, Love, Honor and Asperger's: My Mixed-Up Marriage to a Man with High Functioning Autism, this podcast offers compelling stories from spouses and expert advice from professionals You will identify, bond and find support as you listen to guests discuss heartbreak, confusion, frustration, lack of empathy, lack of emotional reciprocation, and a myriad of other challenges with the end goal of finding freedom, peace and self-empowerment. A half century of marriage to an aspie provides April with a unique perspective that she shares with compassion and humor. If you are not sure why you feel a black hole in your relationship, take a listen and gain clarity.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast, April Anderson sits down with repeat guest Diana—a pioneer for “Cassandra sisters” and author of Lonely in Love and Lonely in Truth—who's just launched her YouTube channel, Cassandra Sister. In this episode, they'll unpack the wild ride of uprooting twice, navigating life with a late‑diagnosed autistic partner, and turning heartache into hilarious skits (complete with costume changes and canine cameo mishaps). You'll hear how DoorDash deliveries became Diana's lifeline, why humor is her favorite therapy, and the insider tips she's learned on self‑publishing, boundary‑setting, and rebuilding independence. Tune in for candid stories, belly laughs, and the solidarity every Cassandra sister needs to reclaim her power.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast! In this episode, host April Anderson sits down with Diana Martin, author of Lonely in Love and the soon-to-be-released Lonely in Truth. Together, they delve into the complexities of the Cassandra phenomenon, the emotional toll of living in neurodiverse relationships, and the profound journey of self-discovery and healing. Diana shares moving personal stories, powerful insights from her books, and actionable advice for anyone feeling unseen or misunderstood in their relationships. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast, April Anderson sits down with author Mark Jordan to discuss his experiences living with both autism and ADHD, a combination known as AUDHD. From his challenging childhood marked by bullying and cultural differences to the revelation of his dual diagnosis later in life, Mark shares personal stories that highlight the complexities of neurodivergence. He explains the daily struggles of masking, navigating relationships, and the endless search for dopamine, all while using humor and insight to shed light on the ups and downs of life on the spectrum.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Nicole, a woman who found herself in a challenging relationship with her husband, who she suspects may have Asperger's syndrome. Nicole and April discuss the toll that emotional abuse can take on mental and physical health, and Nicole's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care, seeking support, and having a plan when facing challenging circumstances. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Dorothy, an advocate for neurotypical partners in relationships with individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly those with Asperger's. Dorothy emphasizes the importance of community support for neurotypical partners and highlights the challenges they face in understanding and coping with their partner's behavior. She also shares anecdotes from her own marriage, detailing instances of verbal abuse, financial manipulation, and emotional neglect. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Victoria Apperson to discuss self-care and empowerment for individuals in neurodivergent relationships. Victoria emphasizes the importance of focusing on oneself, understanding personal needs, and taking proactive steps towards healing and well-being. She also encourages listeners to prioritize self-care, recognize their own value, and seek out modalities and practices that resonate with them. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!iTunes Summary:Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Victoria Apperson to discuss self-care and empowerment for individuals in neurodivergent relationships. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Deb Lawrence, a poet with experience with Autism in relationships. She and April discuss the significance of support networks in navigating the unique challenges faced by individuals in neurodiverse relationships, offering hope, understanding, and solidarity to those who may feel isolated or misunderstood. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!iTunes Summary:Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Deb Lawrence, a poet with experience with Autism in relationships. She and April discuss the significance of support networks in navigating the unique challenges faced by individuals in neurodiverse relationships, offering hope, understanding, and solidarity to those who may feel isolated or misunderstood. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by a previous guest, Lisa. In episode three, Lisa shared her dramatic personal journey, but today she joins April to discuss the profile of a Cassandra in the context autistic or narcissistic relationships. They highlight various traits and experiences common among individuals who find themselves in such relationships, including empathy, vulnerability, low self-esteem, past traumas, and a high tolerance for neglect. Their conversation delves into how these traits can make individuals susceptible to being targeted by partners who may exhibit predatory behavior, and how understanding one's own worth and agency shapes the course of their lives. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!iTunes Summary:Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by a previous guest, Lisa. In episode three, Lisa detailed her heartwarming and heartbreaking story, but today she joins April to discuss the profile of a Cassandra in the context of relationships with individuals who have autism or narcissistic traits. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Dr. Kenneth Roberson to discuss the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by adults with Asperger's Syndrome (now incorporated into Autism Spectrum Disorder). Dr. Kenneth Roberson, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis, recognition of coexisting conditions, and the potential for individuals with Asperger's to change and improve their quality of life through motivation and support. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!iTunes Summary:Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Dr. Kenneth Roberson to discuss the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by adults with Asperger's Syndrome (now incorporated into Autism Spectrum Disorder). They explore the need for accurate diagnosis, recognition of coexisting conditions, and the potential for individuals with Asperger's to change and improve their quality of life through motivation and support. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Asperger's Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Valerie, who shares her 35-year marriage experience. They discuss red flags, the challenges of a narcissistic parent, and specific instances that strained Valerie's marriage, including her husband's lack of support during a difficult time. Together, April and Valerie delve into the complexities of relationships and the emotional toll it can take us. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast!iTunes Summary:Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, April is joined by Valerie, who shares her 35-year marriage experience. They discuss red flags, the challenges of a narcissistic parent, and specific instances that strained Valerie's marriage, including her husband's lack of support during a difficult time. Together, April and Valerie delve into the complexities of relationships and the emotional toll it can take us. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, April and her guest, Diana Martin, share their experiences with moving on from a relationship with a covert narcissist who was also diagnosed with Autism. They discuss aspects of narcissism, the impact on individuals, and the difficulty in differentiating between narcissistic and autistic traits. April and Diana emphasize the importance of understanding and dealing with narcissistic behavior, particularly in relationships, and even recommend resources for learning more about the topic. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast!iTunes Summary:Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, April and her guest, Diana Martin, share their experiences with moving on from a relationship with a covert narcissist who was also diagnosed with Autism. They discuss aspects of narcissism, the impact on individuals, and the difficulty in differentiating between narcissistic and autistic traits. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by Dr. Catherine Rench, whose groundbreaking research has unveiled the complex dynamics of marriages where one partner has Asperger's syndrome. In this podcast, we'll explore the profound insights Dr. Rench has gained from her 12 years of extensive research. Her discoveries have shaken the foundation of our understanding of love, relationships, and the dark side that often goes unnoticed.Dr. Rench's work delves into the world of intimate terrorism, controlling behavior, and coercive actions that can take a toll on the mental and physical health of the non-autistic partner. Her research brings to light the hidden suffering of those who share their lives with individuals on the autism spectrum. Dr. Catherine Rench sheds light on her groundbreaking work, the shocking revelations she uncovered, and the urgent need for awareness and support for those affected.This podcast isn't just about understanding Asperger's syndrome; it's about understanding love and its complexities in the face of adversity. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, April and her guest, Life Coach Jill Richburg, provide insight into Jill's coaching system focused on personal will, willingness, and the challenges associated with relationships, particularly in complex dynamics involving individuals with Asperger's or narcissism. Jill is an attorney, acting teacher, and life coach of almost 20 years. They discuss the importance of recognizing and breaking free from addictive negative dynamics is a central theme. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast!
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, April and her guest, Louise, explore unmet expectations, disappointments, and the intricate web of difficulties woven into relationships where partners grapple with conditions such as Asperger's syndrome and ADHD. They shed light on the strain of communication, emotional reciprocity, and the struggle to bridge the gap between divergent perspectives. Louise and April share their experiences with heartfelt vulnerability, offering a window into the complex dynamics that arise when love intersects with the intricacies of neurodivergent cognition. Through their stories, we gain insight into the emotional toll, the perpetual need for detailed communication, and the nuanced challenges faced by individuals striving to sustain meaningful connections in the midst of these unique marital landscapes. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, Deborah discusses her journey of writing the poem and the therapeutic process it became for her during her divorce. She highlights the difficulties of dealing with a partner who exhibited both Asperger's traits and, to a darker extent, narcissistic behavior. The conversation touches upon the financial and emotional manipulation she experienced, including theft and coercive control. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, Wendy shares her journey accepting her significant other was on the autism spectrum. Our discussion touches upon the challenges of understanding and communicating with such partners, the emotional toll it can take, and the importance of personal growth and empowerment. Key takeaways stress the significance of improving communication and empathy, supporting one another, and seeking professional help or counseling when necessary. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, In this segment, Diana shares her personal journey, detailing her experience with chronic pain, caregiving for her parents, and her relationship with her partner, who may be on the autism spectrum. The conversation delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of self-care and detachment, the challenges of misunderstood neurodiverse relationships, and the power of finding supportive communities. Diana also discusses her book, "Lonely in Love," and the host's offer of support and well-wishes for her future plans. This conversation provides insights into the complexities and nuances of neurodiverse relationships, emphasizing self-care and resilience.Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. In today's episode, we'll explore Kevin's journey, his love for running, his experiences as a military veteran, and the profound impact of friendships forged in the crucible of life. We'll touch on moments of joy, heartbreak, and resilience, all in the pursuit of love and understanding.We often hear about lifelong commitments, but what happens when circumstances lead us down a different path? Kevin coined it a "gray divorce," a phrase that embodies the idea of reinvention and living life to the fullest, even after the most significant of changes. This podcast isn't just about understanding narcissism; it's about understanding love and its complexities in the face of adversity. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by Tracy to discuss experiences with her husband, who is described as having Asperger's syndrome. Tracy shares her journey of realizing her husband's condition and how it impacted their relationship. She also touches on the challenges of living with someone with Asperger's and the emotional toll it can take on the partner.This podcast isn't just about understanding Asperger's syndrome; it's about understanding love and its complexities in the face of adversity. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by Dr. Cathryn Rench, whose groundbreaking research has unveiled the complex dynamics of marriages where one partner has Asperger's syndrome. In this podcast, we'll explore the profound insights Dr. Rench has gained from her 12 years of extensive research. Her discoveries have shaken the foundation of our understanding of love, relationships, and the dark side that often goes unnoticed.Dr. Rench's work delves into the world of intimate terrorism, controlling behavior, and coercive actions that can take a toll on the mental and physical health of the non-autistic partner. Her research brings to light the hidden suffering of those who share their lives with individuals on the autism spectrum. Dr. Cathryn Rench sheds light on her groundbreaking work, the shocking revelations she uncovered, and the urgent need for awareness and support for those affected.This podcast isn't just about understanding Asperger's syndrome; it's about understanding love and its complexities in the face of adversity. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by Nicole Oliver, a guest with first-hand experience in an Asperger-narcissistic relationship, as she reflects on her marriage, journey of finding her voice, and standing up for herself. Nicole and April discuss the common challenges shared by partners in these kinds of relationships, and the importance of prioritizing your well-being. Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories on the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by Cheryl Nye, a licensed psychologist and author of the recently published book, Taming Autism, to discuss the information she's gained over the years working with adults and children with Autism, and to delve into the particular effects that having a relationship with someone who has Autism.Cheryl is passionate about raising awareness regarding the devastating impact of stress on those with Autism. The findings from her research opened new Frontiers in the treatment and diagnosis of the disorder. Her book is based on over 1200 research studies and eight years of relentless work dedicated to its completion.Listen now for invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and compelling real life stories about living with loved ones
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by Lisa, to discuss her neurotypical marriage and how she broke into the world of Aspergers, since it so often goes in reverse. Her first marriage was to an older man. It was neurotypical and a lot of the glue holding that together was the amazing sex. They were also great friends, and had fun together. We shopped for antiques, refinished furniture, and played tennis. But it was not an intellectually stimulating relationship and after about four and a half years they amicably divorced. Lisa also notes that he had a better relationship with her horribly narcissistic personality-disordered and abusive mother than he had with Lisa because he'd lost his mother at a very young age.Lisa met another neurotypical man, fell in love, and started a family. He saw her through near death from misdiagnosis kidney cancer and a disastrous partnership with a businessman. The building they owned burned down, all the security cameras were turned off, and the partner was the last one out of the building. Her husband was helpless to help Lisa, and that guy got away with everything and bankrupted them. Six months later, her husband got a stage-four cancer diagnosis and ended up passing away in their home.Her third relationship was vastly different from her first two. He had more degrees than a thermometer, one of them in psychology. He could fly an airplane, was in the military, ran a finance department, and was a treasurer of an organization. He was so clever, but he couldn't hold a conversation, read a room, or read a person. It is a fact that disagreeable people, male or female, make a lot more money than those of us who roll over and are people pleasers. Autistic men will spend shit tons of money on themselves, and then withhold everything. Money is an abstraction for human energy they can use to demonstrate love and withhold love. Lisa started walking on eggshells because she felt all wrong. The relationship became toxic because she became toxic to him. She had reached her breaking point, and that's when they started discussing strategies on where to go from there. She is working on herself now, and when she moves out, she believes they will remain amicable.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by Michelle Carbone to discuss life changes after an autistic marriage. Michelle met her husband when she was 21, and the majority of their marriage was good. However, they did run into trouble with meltdowns, gaslighting, and even verbal abuse. It wasn't until after she left her marriage that her family and friends started to tell her about the things they were noticing that she couldn't see for herself. She was working as a travel agent, and Covid put a huge strain on their relationship. That's when she realized she'd married someone exactly like her sister. Michelle's sister struggled with ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) growing up, meaning Michelle had to walk on eggshells most of her life. She felt like that was what she was reverting to in her marriage when her husband would tell her what she thought of things instead of asking. He would never listen, and she wasn't allowed to be her authentic self. She was very fortunate that their separations and divorce was amicable, and they are still able to interact when needed. After she left her marriage and the travel agency, Michelle needed to make some changes. She worked on her boundaries, started a new career, and is in a new relationship. A big thing is self-trust and self-love, and just because you might have lost it doesn't mean you can't get it back.
Welcome to the Love, Honor, and Aspergers Podcast. Today, host April Anderson is joined by long time friend, Louise, who is another lucky person to have entered into an Aspergers marriage.April and Louise discuss their personal experiences with their partners, and the red flags and challenges of being in an Aspergers or narcissistic marriage. April met Louise on an internet forum many years ago after becoming so fed up and discouraged that no one in her life seemed to understand what she was going through in her marriage. She was told it was normal, that all husbands are like that, despite her knowing something was wrong. After meeting Louise, she couldn't believe there were other people out there experiencing the same things she was. One thing both women learned early on in the forums is how exhausted women were. It's stressful and taxing to have to explain every single thing to your partner, and constantly watch what they're doing. Marriage to someone with Aspergers is difficult due to dealing with a lack of communication and empathy that neurotypical partners were never trained to handle.