RELATIONSHIP THERAPY AND AUTISM

We offer relationship therapy for people with a partner with autism based on the Positive Mind Method (PMM)

Do you have a partner with autism or would you like to receive tools to have a good relationship again, including learning to apply positive thinking?

Relationship therapy for autism

When individuals make a long-term commitment to each other based on affection, they are said to be in a relationship. Partners often spend time together, share resources, and support each other in times of need.


When a relationship is formally recognised within a community or legal system, it is called a marriage. Many people marry because they love their partner, although this is not always the case. The cultural meaning of marriage has changed over time, and with it, people’s expectations and perspectives on marriage have also evolved. Nevertheless, relationships and marriage remain important aspects of life for most individuals.

For example, it is common that after the so-called “infatuation phase” (approximately 6 months to 2 years), people begin to notice characteristics in their partner that were previously less visible. These traits were often already present, but were not experienced in the same way during the early stage of intense emotional bonding.


As the initial feeling of being in love decreases, partners may become more aware of differences, challenges, or behaviours they perceive as less positive. In some cases, one partner may also receive a diagnosis of autism or display autistic traits, which can bring new dynamics into the relationship.


At this point, it becomes important to reflect on the direction of the relationship: do you want to work towards solutions, or consider ending the relationship?


If you choose to work on the relationship, support and tools can help you better understand and navigate these characteristics. If you are uncertain, it can also be helpful to talk it through together in order to make a well-considered decision.

Our approach is solution-focused and based on learning to apply a positive mindset derived from positive psychology, from which the Positive Mind Method, developed by Dr. Sebiha Ünal, originates.



Relationship support is offered both online via live video consultation and on-site.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact us via the contact form below.

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“My partner was diagnosed with autism after 30 years of marriage, suddenly all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, on the one hand it was a relief for us but on the other hand we suddenly didn't know how to deal with his behavior. He was doing very badly, on medication and tired quickly, which meant that spending a day together was no longer fun for us. Our marriage was in bad shape. We didn't want to break up because we had been together for too long and were used to each other. We ended up at the Autism Expertise Center through someone else and started talking to Dr. Sebiha Unal. After 2 consultations we immediately got a boost in our marriage, we were given assignments to take home and we applied them immediately. In the meantime, 2 years have passed and we are very happy. We no longer have any treatments elsewhere and are a happy couple. We give each other space and take each other into account. And above all, we still have a lot of contact with our "savior" I definitely want to say this. Thank you beautiful person for the help you have offered us and still offer us, we are very grateful to you!”
Jolanda Huizinga, Barneveld
"We are a family with 4 children, my partner was recently diagnosed with autism. We experience problems in our relationship but do not want to break up. Now we have help through the Autism Expertise Center. We are very satisfied and notice that things are already going very well. We apply the assignments and tips in our relationship, this works very well. We also have a more positive attitude now and are increasingly learning to see everything from a positive angle."
Henk Wiersma, Drachten