Married to a Man with Asperger's?
Join our group for frum women like you who need some fresh ideas, useful tools, and a little extra support.
It's not easy. Whether your husband has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome/Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or you just suspect it, it's a real weight on your marriage. Your husband might be particularly rigid. Maybe you have few friends as a couple because he's not very social (and he doesn't get social cues anyway); nor does he have many of his own friends. And worst of all, perhaps, is the lack of emotional closeness that you thought your marriage would have. It's not what you signed up for.
Being in a loving relationship requires appreciating the good, finding a way of understanding ourselves and our partners, and dealing with the confusion and frustration that is the territory of all relationships.
When your partner has a neurodiverse constitution, there are particular challenges in understanding their processing of events and emotional nuance, and response to the complexities of everyday life.
In this group we will be sharing experiences, learning about the spectrum of autism, and working together on strategies for accepting and working with differences while deepening relationship.
There are no easy answers here. But at least there are others who understand. As they say, "trouble shared is trouble halved." Come together with other frum women who are struggling the same way you are. We'll share together, cry together, support each other, and come out a little bit stronger.
Dr. Gail Goldberg, PhD. has 30 years of experience in the field and has worked with clients of all ages in a variety of practice settings including Sheppard Pratt Hospital and Senior Psychologist at its school school and manager of its Residential Treatment Center. Most recently she is in private practice and consulting and trainings with Federal Government disability programs. She has spent most of her career working with neurodiverse clients. Her latest projects include workshops for couples, effective communication, training in behavioral programs, ADHD strategies, crisis management, and mindfulness practices - all of which have relevance to neurodiverse couples.
Tova Herskovic, MSW is a mental health practitioner with a wide range of experience working with groups and families of all stripes, including support groups for people dealing with loved ones who have an addiction, people with psychosis, social skills groups, and more. She has been trained by the national Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) on working with neurodiverse couples.
In the past Tova has worked at Naaleh Cleveland providing mental health referrals and psychoeducation, and as the clinical director at an elementary school group with social needs. Currently her primary work is as the clinical director for her very own household full of very loved children.
Professional Help
FAQs
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Where/when does the group meet?
This is an online group (via zoom), meeting Tuesdays at 1:30 PM EST. You can join from anywhere!
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What if I'm not sure my husband has Asperger's/autism/ASD?
No problem! You don't need a diagnosis in hand. We're here to help anyone with similar struggles in their relationship. Come see if this group will be helpful to you too!
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What is the cost?
The cost is $69 for 6 weeks (1 hour each week). Please let us know if you need financial assistance. We don't want anyone to miss out due to financial issues!
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Can I just pay for a single session?
No, you cannot pay for individual sessions. We believe participants will get more out of this group if they make a commitment to attend the whole program.
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Can I remain anonymous?
You will not be required to disclose your personal information to the group, although we ask that participants keep their cameras on to facilitate a connection with all members of the group. You will need to reveal your name to K'nafayim in order to sign up, but we will keep this completely confidential.