Description
Book SynopsisDon't you wish relationships came with a manual? Ashley Stanford has written a user's guide to relationships that adopts a practical troubleshooting approach to resolving difficulties that will greatly appeal to the logical minds of individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as offering valuable guidance to their partners.
Troubleshooting identifies problems and makes them fixable. This book presents a three-step troubleshooting process that can defuse even the trickiest relationship dilemma. Specific problem areas are covered in detail including communication, executive functioning, mindblindness, attachment, intimacy, co-habiting, and raising a family. The book offers straightforward solution-focused strategies and additional help is given in the form of bulleted lists, summaries, scripts, and example scenarios.
Trade ReviewAn excellent reference for any who would handle the dual challenges of a relationship and autism. -- Midwest Book Review
"Too many variables", Ashley Stanford's husband declares about relationships in her opening paragraph of this different and very comprehensive "manual" to maintaining an autism spectrum relationship. He's so right! This guide takes those variables back to their individual components and helps the reader construct new ways to look and deal with issues that AS couples experience every single day. A thought-provoking book for couples and the professionals who work with them. -- Sarah Hendrickx, Hendrickx Associates, freelance trainer, and consultant in autism spectrum conditions, author of several books on Asperger syndrome
Table of ContentsPreface. Part I: The Troubleshooting Process. 1. The Foundational Principles of Troubleshooting. 2. Why Troubleshooting Works – Top 10 Reasons. 3. The Troubleshooting Process – Identify, Test, Evaluate. Part II: Beginning with Correct Assumptions. 4. Fixing the Problem Versus Fixing Each Other. 5. Nearly Any Problem Can be Resolved When it is Small. 6. Using Binary Thinking to Your Benefit. 7. Assumptions – How to be a Partner (Not a Parent). 8. Troubleshooting Mindblindness – The Universe is Us. Part III: Troubleshooting Everyday Problems. 9. Troubleshooting Communication – Meta-Discussions. 10. Troubleshooting Executive Function – Planning and Scheduling. 11. Troubleshooting in the Bedroom – Sensual Sharing. 12. Troubleshooting Perfection, Aiming for Imperfections, and Making Your Life Lighter. 13. Troubleshooting Your Personal Attachment Style – Anxious, Avoidant, or Secure Attachment. 14. Troubleshooting Reciprocity – Tips and Tricks to Create Support, Appreciation and Respect in your Relationship. Part IV: Troubleshooting Big Problems. 15. Troubleshooting Blame and Avoidance. 16. Troubleshooting Monogamy and Faithfulness. 17. Troubleshooting Existence Together – Inside the Home. 18. Troubleshooting in the Wild – Outside the Home. 19. Troubleshooting Obsessions and Priorities – Choosing What to Do with Your Time. 20. Troubleshooting with Children – When a Couple Becomes a Family. 21. Troubleshooting Meltdowns. 22. Troubleshooting Complaints – Toxicity in Relationships. Part V: When Troubleshooting Does Not (Or Does) Work. 23. Rebooting. 24. Other Problem-Solving Methodologies that May Work for You. 25. Troubleshooting Whether to Stay or Go – The Decision Process. 26. When it Works - Identifying and Celebrating Improvements. Appendix A: How to Love. Appendix B: Signals of Love. Appendix C: Test for Co-Dependency in ASD-Linked Relationships. References. Index.
