Barbara Grant ~ Neurodiverse Couples Coach, MMFT

Barbara Grant, MFMT, NCC, CAS, is a distinguished Neurodiverse Couples Coach and Certified Autism Specialist with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. As the editor and a major contributing author of the soon-to-be-released book “Uniquely Us: Gracefully Navigating the Maze of Neurodiverse Marriage,” Barbara shares critical insights in her chapter, “Change & Growth in Neurodiverse Marriages: Motivation, Boundaries, Acceptance and Healing,” offering valuable guidance for couples and individuals trapped in unhealthy relationship patterns.

With a coaching career spanning since 2005, Barbara has made significant contributions through national podcasts and publications, working with individuals, couples, groups, and non-profit teams. Her personal experience in two neurodiverse marriages and as a parent of an adult neurodivergent person further enriches her expertise and empathy in this field.

 

Most Popular Topics:

Is it Narcissism… or Neurodiversity? Many people suspect their partner is a narcissist, but more likely, they may be an undiagnosed neurodiverse adult. As the CDC prevalence rates for ADHD and autism in children continue to climb, many parents are realizing that they, too, are neurodiverse. This can present ongoing challenges to couples who have been struggling for years with anxiety, depression, communication problems, emotional dysregulation, and disordered executive functioning. Traditional couples work addresses none of this! Barbara speaks about how to determine if neurodiversity is present, and where to get specialized help for adults and couples who need support.

My Partner is Neurodiverse – and I’m Not! Both partners can suffer in a neurodiverse marriage, and experience couple “burn-out.” Non-neurodiverse people (called “neurotypical”) often feel emotionally abandoned, confused, and pressured to over-function in their relationships. Studies show traditional marriage or pastoral counseling usually makes matters worse, as each partner has vastly different needs and challenges. Barbara speaks about the specific support and healing that a neurotypical partner needs and how this is essential in order for the relationship to stabilize and improve.

Is my Loved One Alcoholic… or Neurodiverse? Studies are showing that people with undiagnosed neurodiversity (ADHD, autism and OCD) are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol than non-neurodiverse people. Problems with anxiety, depression, brain-fog, and having addictive tendencies are typical with neurological disorders, and unless supported with healthy interventions, substance abuse can become the default “solution.” Barbara speaks about how to determine if neurodiversity is present, and where to get specialized help for adults and couples who need support. 

Why is ADHD on the Rise? Current CDC prevalence rates for ADHD in children is 1 in 9, and many of these kids have one (or more) ADHD parents. ADHD medication is often in short supply, and the numbers keep going up. Studies show that ADHD and trauma share many common traits. Barbara speaks about how kids (and adults) can identify and support signs of ADHD, and even heal many symptoms through simple techniques based on neuroplasticity.

 

Conversation Starters:

• How does neurodiversity impact a relationship?
• Why has it taken so long for our neurodivergence to be noticed or discovered?
• How can I tell if my partner or child is neurodiverse?
• What tests are there for neurodiversity?
• Why doesn’t marriage counseling help with neurodiversity?
• Isn’t everyone “neurodivergent” on some level?
• What help and support exists for neurodiversity?
• If there is neurodiversity in my family, will my kids also be neurodivergent?
• What is the difference between ADHD and ASD (autism)?
• Can neurodivergent people be successful and happy?

 

Partial List of Previous Podcasts:

Unabashed You with Rechelle Conde-Nau 
Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens
A World of Difference with Lori Adams-Brown
Joy Found Here with Stephanie Martinez Rivera
Next Chapter Experience with Janette Blissett
Transition Bridge with Debi Ronca
Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino
NeuroDiverse Christian Couples with Dr. Stephanie Holmes (Part 3)
NeuroDiverse Christian Couples/AutismSpectrum with Dr. Stephanie Holmes (Part 2)
NeuroDiverse Christian Couples with Dr. Stephanie and Rev. Dan Holmes (Part 1)
Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay
YOUR Neurodiverse Relationships with Jodi Carlton (Part 2)
YOUR Neurodiverse Relationships with Jodi Carlton (Part 1)
AuDHD Research Podcast with Patrick Abec
Becoming Confidently Unique in Christ with Dr. Tim Blake

Rave Reviews:

“Barbara Grant was an absolute joy to have on my podcast! As a veteran radio DJ, I’ve interviewed hundreds of guests, but Barbara really stood out. Her knowledge of neurodiversity is incredible, and she made the topic so engaging and easy to understand. As someone who is dyslexic, I didn’t even realize that meant I was neurodiverse until she explained it. I learned so much from her, and she brought a fun, down-to-earth energy to the conversation. I’d highly recommend her for any podcast, radio show, or speaking event—she’s a fantastic guest!
~ Jodie Stevens, Radio and Podcast Host, Genuine Life Recovery

“In the past 3 years, my co-host (Dan, my husband) and I have hosted Barbara as a podcast guest three times. All the episodes she has been on have received above average audience attention and have provided accurate and actionable information about the challenges and opportunities that are common to neurodiverse couples. Barbara has an excellent understanding about the complex issues of neurodiversity in marriage and family systems, and we are proud to consistently recommend her on our website as a reliable resource for both individual, couples, and group coaching support. She brings a unique depth of lived, trained, and spiritual insight and wisdom to all she does, and we highly recommend her as an eloquent, lively, and engaging podcast guest!”
~ Dr. Stephanie Holmes, Host, NeuroDiverse Christian Couples Podcast

“I recently had the pleasure of hosting Barbara Grant on my podcast, and I cannot recommend her enough for any show about neurodiversity, particularly neurodiverse relationships. Barbara offers a blend of empathy and expertise, highlighting the unique strengths and challenges that neurodiverse couples face. She also brings actionable advice to the conversation that helps partners navigate their relationships with greater ease and mutual respect. Her contributions are informative and knowledgeable, and I thoroughly enjoyed having her as a guest!”
~ Jodi Carlton, Host, YOUR Neurodiverse Relationship Podcast

“Barbara Grant is an outstanding guest for podcasts focusing on neurodiversity, especially neurodiverse relationships. With a perfect blend of empathy and expertise, she delves into the unique strengths and challenges faced by mixed neurotype couples. She offers advice and strategies that can help increase mutual respect and understanding. Barbara’s episode on the Neurodiverse Love podcast continues to attract audience attention and provides lots of valuable information to listeners from more than 70 countries. Given her expert understanding and insightful contributions to the complexities of neurodiverse relationships, I highly recommend Barbara both as an outstanding podcast guest and coach for neurodiverse couples. Her rich combination of lived experience, education, and practical wisdom make her very engaging and effective.”
~ Mona Kay, Host, Neurodiverse Love Podcast

 

Website: BG-HC.com