Odd Off Different-Cpl - RonaldMah

Ronald Mah, M.A., Ph.D.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist,
Consultant/Trainer/Author
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Odd Off Different-Cpl

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Off, Odd, Different… Special? Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, and Giftedness in Couples and Couple Therapy


Off, Odd, Different… Special? Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, and Giftedness in Couples and Couple Therapy
When the therapist or a partner wonders if someone seems off, odd, different, or special, it is a clinical clue to the underlying issues causing dysfunction in the couple. Some individuals have demanded disproportionate time, attention, and energy from childhood and now as adults stress partners in the intimate relationship… and the therapist in session. Learning disabilities (LD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Aspergers Syndrome (AS), and giftedness not only affect academic and cognitive performance in childhood but can also negatively impact social/relational dynamics. Of concern for the therapist, the impact endures and continues for the individual in his or her adult intimate relationships. The therapist will be guided to the existential experience of gifted individuals and other challenged individuals as misfits. Giftedness or extremely proficient capacities must be examined for often unanticipated overwhelming emotional and psychological stress and confusion.

The worlds of the LD, ADHD, AS, of gifted individual are examined for corruption of self-esteem and self-image problems starting in childhood and exacerbated by mature intimacy demands. The therapist will learn how to recognize when inaccurate interpretation of social cues harm relationship functionality. The therapist will learn how LD, ADHD, and AS are among thirteen reasons individuals miss social cues. Addressing ineffective reading of the non-verbal communication from a partner will improve receptive and expressive communication for both partners, but for the challenged individual in particular. Therapeutic strategies for dealing with the negative influences of LD, ADHD, AS, and giftedness for the individual direct couple therapy. The therapist will learn about common ineffective and problematic compensations used by challenged individuals, as well the principles for effective response. The therapist is guided to incorporate knowledge about such challenges into therapy to counter harmful impact on and thus, improving the couple's relationship.




Off, Odd, Different… Special?
Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, & Giftedness in Couples and Couple Therapy
by Ronald Mah

Table of Contents (links to chapters and sections)
Introduction: WHAT IS WITH THIS PERSON?
PLAY & RELATIONSHIP – CONVERSATION & PLAY  
PROBLEMATIC VS. PRODUCTIVE COMPENSATIONS
SOCIALLY INEPT & TARGETED
PRESENTING INADVERTENT CUES
CONTINUUMS or LABELS
GIFTEDNESS- DIFFERENT OR SPECIAL MEANS NOT FITTING IN
INTENSE MOTIVATION
ASYNCHRONIC DEVELOPMENT & GENDER BIAS
OVEREXCITABILITY &OVERSENSITIVITY- GETTING TOO MUCH
REASONS INDIVIDUALS DON'T GET IT!
PHYSICAL DISABILITY - Compensation
CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES - Cross Cultural Education
OVER-STIMULATION – De-Stress
DENIAL – Alleviate Fear
ANXIETY – Stabilize/Secure
NEUROSIS – Reality Filter/Check
DISASSOCIATION – Trauma Work
INTOXICATION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE – Sobriety
SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER – Behavior Training
PSYCHOSIS – Stabilization
LEARNING DISABILITIES – Compensation
PROCESSING DIFFICULTIES & DIFFERENCES
MISDIAGNOSED & MISUNDERSTOOD- TRYING HARD BUT "JUST STUPID"
DEVELOPMENTAL INDICATORS OF LEARNING DISABILITIES
COMPENSATION- TRY DIFFERENTLY, NOT TRY HARDER!
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES OF DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES
DSM DIAGNOSIS
NEGATIVE EXPEREIENCES SET RELATIONSHIPS QUICKLY
DSM Criteria for Diagnosis of ASPERGERS DISORDER
SIX CORE CHARACTERISTICS
DIFFICULTY INTERPRETING MENTAL STATES
INTERACTIONS WITH INTIMATES/PEERS
THEORY OF MIND & RELATIONSHIP CONSEQUENCES
PROBLEMATIC SOCIAL COMPENSATIONS  
CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH CHALLENGES
SPECIAL (PERFECTION) IS A HARD FIT
"MACHINES ARE EASIER"
"THAT'S A STUPID JOB!"
"HARD TO BE ME"

ADDRESS:
3056 Castro Valley Blvd., #82
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Ronald Mah, M.A., Ph.D.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT32136
CONTACT INFORMATION:
office: (510) 582-5788
fax: (510) 889-6553
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