Megan Mance, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist | Neurodiverse Couples Specialist

Understanding Connection Through a Neurodiverse Lens 🤝

Helping neurodiverse couples build clarity, compassion, and connection.

I’ve always been drawn to the intricacies of human connection—how we give and receive love, how we navigate conflict, and how we create emotional safety with one another. My work with couples is grounded in this deep curiosity and lived experience.

A Personal Journey That Shapes My Practice

Like many autistic women, I wasn’t diagnosed until later in life.

For years, I masked my differences, sensing I was moving through the world in ways others didn’t quite understand.

Learning that I’m autistic was a pivotal moment—it gave language to my experiences and helped me understand why certain interactions, environments, and emotional dynamics often felt so intense or confusing.

This self-discovery didn’t just change how I see myself—it completely transformed how I show up for my clients. I bring a unique blend of professional training and personal insight to my work with neurodiverse couples.

I know what it feels like to be misunderstood in a relationship. I understand the sensory overload, the communication mismatches, the burnout from trying to "get it right" all the time. And I also know the deep desire for connection that exists beneath it all.

A Space Where You’re Truly Seen

In our work together, I aim to create a space where both partners feel deeply seen, heard, and supported—especially when their ways of thinking, feeling, and processing the world differ.

Whether one or both of you are neurodivergent, I’ll help you navigate your relationship through a lens of understanding, not pathology.

Together, we’ll explore how neurodiversity shows up in your communication styles, emotional needs, conflict patterns, and sensory experiences. My goal is to help you co-create a relationship that honors each of your strengths, builds mutual understanding, and fosters meaningful connection.

My Kids

I am a mother of five wonderful children, ranging from ages 10 to 18—some of whom are neurodiverse.

Parenting has offered me countless lessons in empathy, flexibility, and the incredible diversity of human experience. Living in a household where different ways of thinking, feeling, and communicating are the norm has deeply informed the way I support couples navigating neurodivergent dynamics in their relationships.

My Divorce Journey

Navigating divorce and blending families has given me firsthand experience with the emotional terrain of co-parenting, boundary setting, and resilience.

I understand how overwhelming it can be to rebuild trust and connection while honoring the unique needs of each family member—especially when neurodivergence adds another layer of complexity.

These experiences help me guide couples with compassion and clarity through difficult transitions.

Seeing You

Growing up within challenging family dynamics, I learned early on how vital it is to feel truly seen, heard, and understood.

That deep longing to be recognized for who I am now fuels my work as a therapist. I bring this same intention into my sessions—to ensure you and your partner feel genuinely valued, even when communication feels difficult or misattunement has taken a toll.

Individual Therapy 🌿

I hold two Master’s degrees—one in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, and another in Human Services. This combination has shaped a broad and inclusive perspective on human behavior, relationships, and systems.

My academic training, paired with real-world experience, allows me to support both neurodivergent and neurotypical partners in building stronger, more connected relationships.

My Experiences with the Education System

My professional background in elementary and high school settings, alongside my lived experience as a parent, has given me a solid understanding of how academic and emotional challenges intersect—especially for neurodiverse families.

I feel especially equipped to help parents and couples navigate these systems together, reducing overwhelm and strengthening teamwork at home and beyond.

Outside My Therapeutic Work 🌿

I find balance and renewal in nature, often exploring local trails with my Golden Retriever, Lily, who reminds me daily to stay present and enjoy the simple moments. Nature has always been my reset button—a place where I can breathe deeply, recharge, and reconnect with myself.

My superpower is an unwavering commitment to understanding people at their deepest level. That drive comes from my own lived experiences of not always feeling fully seen or understood, especially growing up. It’s what fuels my compassion and sharpens my ability to notice the subtle emotional cues that often go missed.

When I’m not working, I’m probably doing something that brings me joy or grounds me in the moment—like crocheting with a podcast on in the background, lifting weights to clear my head, or sipping coffee while listening to the birds outside. I also love yoga and meditation as tools for self-regulation, and I treasure quality time with my kids and partner.

We’re a neurodiverse household ourselves, so a lot of what I bring into the therapy room is not just theoretical—it’s lived and practiced every day.

These pieces of my life don’t just help me unwind—they help me show up more fully for my clients, grounded in the real, imperfect, beautiful experience of being human.

Working with Neurodiverse Couples 🎯

I specialize in helping neurodiverse couples (ND/NT and ND/ND) navigate the unique relational dynamics that arise when different neurological experiences meet. Every couple’s neurodiversity journey is distinct—full of both complexity and beauty.

My goal is to create a space where both partners feel safe, heard, and respected. Whether you're autistic, have ADHD, are neurotypical, or still exploring your neurodivergent identity, I work collaboratively to cultivate deeper mutual understanding, bridge communication gaps, and foster emotional intimacy in a way that honors who you both are.

I know firsthand how challenging it can feel when connection doesn’t come easily—even with someone you love deeply. As someone who discovered my own autism later in life, I bring both clinical training and lived experience into the therapy room. I understand the exhaustion that can come from masking, the frustration of being misunderstood, and the longing to be fully accepted without needing to explain every nuance.

These insights shape my approach and allow me to show up with empathy, clarity, and real-world tools that work.

Specific areas I help couples with include:

• Communication: Navigating barriers like literal vs. inferred meanings, emotional expression differences, and tone mismatches. I help partners clarify misinterpretations and build a shared language that works for both of you.
  

• Sensory Differences: Understanding how sensory sensitivities impact daily life and conflict. We explore ways to minimize overwhelm, create sensory-friendly environments, and respect each other’s needs without shame or judgment.
  

• Executive Functioning: Whether it's difficulty starting tasks, forgetfulness, or differing expectations around routines and responsibilities, I help couples reduce resentment and work toward solutions that support both partners' capacities.
  

• Social Engagement Styles: From differing needs for alone time to varied conversational pacing or interest-based dialogue, we find ways to honor your individual preferences while staying connected.
  

• Teamwork & Emotional Safety: Many neurodiverse couples find themselves stuck in patterns of blame, shutdown, or misattunement. Together, we shift from frustration to compassion—building tools for collaborative problem-solving, mutual respect, and emotional attunement that feels authentic to you.
  

Neurodiverse relationships don’t need to fit a neurotypical mold to thrive. With understanding, the right support, and a willingness to grow together, you can co-create a partnership that feels safe, satisfying, and deeply connected.

Co-Parenting Support 🤝

Co-parenting is rarely simple—and I say that both as a therapist and as someone who lives it. I understand how emotionally layered it can be to show up consistently for your kids while managing the dynamics of a shared parenting relationship that may carry its own grief, frustration, or hurt.

I don’t pretend to have it all figured out, but I bring both personal experience and clinical insight into the room to offer grounded, nonjudgmental support. My goal is to help you navigate co-parenting in a way that protects your peace, prioritizes your child’s well-being, and allows you to maintain your own sense of self along the way.

This work isn’t about perfect agreement—it’s about creating enough structure, respect, and emotional resilience to support your child while keeping yourself steady in the process.

Here are some of the areas I commonly support parents with:

• Boundaries: Helping you define and maintain healthy, clear boundaries that reduce tension and protect your mental and emotional space.
  

• Communication: Building communication skills that are respectful, direct, and centered around the shared goal of supporting your child—even when the co-parenting relationship is strained.
  

• Parenting Styles: Working through the differences in how you each approach parenting, with guidance on how to stay child-focused while managing misalignments.
  

• Cooperation: Supporting consistent routines, smoother transitions, and strategies for reducing conflict—even when the other parent isn’t always on the same page.
  

• Resilience: Developing tools for emotional regulation, self-care, and boundary maintenance so you can co-parent from a place of strength, not survival.
  

Co-parenting can be one of the most demanding emotional undertakings—but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether your relationship with your co-parent is amicable, high-conflict, or somewhere in between, I’m here to support you as you show up for your child and yourself.

Blended Families 🌈

Blending families is a deeply personal part of my own life journey—and like many of the families I work with, I’m still learning as I go. I don’t come to this work with all the answers, but I do bring lived experience, empathy, and a deep respect for how complex and layered this process can be.

Blended families come together with love and hope, but they also come with histories, expectations, grief, and growing pains. I understand firsthand how disorienting it can feel to try to nurture connection between people who are still getting to know one another, all while managing parenting differences, loyalty binds, and shifting roles.

In my work with blended families, I don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, I walk alongside you, offering space for each member to be heard and validated as you navigate this new chapter together.

Here are some of the areas we often explore:

• Trust: Creating emotional safety and consistency, especially when past transitions or disruptions have made that hard.
  

• Integration: Navigating the merging of different parenting approaches, values, and traditions with flexibility and care.
  

• Bonding: Supporting step-parents and children in building authentic, pressure-free relationships that can grow over time.
  

• Conflict Management: Equipping families with tools to handle tension and disagreements with compassion, boundaries, and intention.
  

• Communication: Fostering open, respectful conversations that promote understanding and reduce miscommunication between all members.
  

Blending a family is not about perfection—it’s about showing up with patience, openness, and a willingness to try again. I’m here to support you as you build something new, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

Trauma & Neurodiversity 💡

Living as an autistic or ADHD individual in a predominantly allistic world can itself be a significant source of trauma.

Many neurodivergent individuals frequently face misunderstanding, judgment, and expectations that don't align with their experiences, leading to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and internalized negative beliefs about themselves.

This ongoing trauma deeply impacts personal relationships, making it challenging to trust, communicate effectively, and feel genuinely connected. 

My approach involves creating a safe therapeutic environment where these experiences are openly validated and compassionately addressed, helping clients recognize the impact of neurodivergence-related trauma on their relationships. Through personalized support, we develop strategies for resilience, healing, and improved relational health.

Therapeutic Approach & Modalities 🧠

My approach is compassionate, curious, and person-centered, embracing the strengths and unique qualities of neurodiversity. I integrate multiple therapeutic methods, including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Applied Polyvagal Theory

• Parts Work

• Somatic Therapies

• Mind-Body Interventions

  
  

I aim to support couples in reducing sensory overwhelm, enhancing emotional regulation, and managing executive function challenges, ultimately moving from frustration to relational harmony.

Professional Background & Training 🎓

• Master's in Clinical Psychology (Antioch University)

• Master's in Human Services (Capella University)

• Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)

• Certified in Embodiment Coaching, Yoga, and Mindfulness Meditation

• Trained in Positive Neuroplasticity, Somatic Trauma Healing, and Resilience-Informed Therapy

License

• Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #144966

• Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452

• Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers

Final Thoughts & How to Get Started 🌿

Neurodiverse relationships can indeed face unique challenges—but also offer profound opportunities for connection and growth. Together, we can build a partnership where both individuals feel genuinely seen, understood, and valued.