How neurodiverse couples make sense of their subjective experiences within couples therapy: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Background: There has been a growing awareness of neurodiversity and individuals’ needs across various contexts, including therapy. However, in couples therapy involving neurodiverse couples (one partner autistic and one neurotypical), there is a limited understanding of how neurodiversity affects relationships. Existing studies often prioritise the experiences of neurotypical partners, adopting a ‘deficit’ focus that encourages the autistic partner to change their behavior while overlooking both partners’ lived experiences. Recent research indicates inadequate therapeutic support and a lack of understanding of neurodiverse couples’ neurological differences. To date, no studies have explored their subjective experiences and needs in couples therapy. This gap illustrates the need to examine their meaning-making from a counseling psychology perspective. Method: This study conducted six semi-structured remote interviews with neurodiverse couples, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Three main superordinate themes emerged from the data: ‘Lack of knowledge of autism and support: Evaluating what is needed from couples therapy,’ ‘Being in couples therapy as a neurodiverse couple in a neurotypical world,’ and ‘Perceived outcomes of couples therapy.’ The findings reveal a general lack of understanding of neurodiversity and its impact, and the challenges of neurodiverse couples of navigating a neurotypical-dominated therapeutic environment. Discussion: Clinical implications include enhancing support for neurodiverse couples by accommodating their unique needs, such as differences in communication and emotional processing.