Episode 385 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Navigating Trauma and Healing in Neurodiverse Relationships"

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick
Episode 385 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Navigating Trauma and Healing in Neurodiverse Relationships"
Feb 09, 2026 Season 16 Episode 385

Welcome back to “Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick.” In today’s episode, Michael John Cusick and Julianne Cusick dive deep into the world of neurodiversity, focusing on the unique challenges faced by couples where one partner is neurodivergent, often navigating undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related conditions. Drawing on both personal experience and extensive clinical work, Julianne Cusick shares valuable frameworks—including the “umbrella” of neurodiversity—and explains how overlapping diagnoses like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders often connect.

Together, Michael and Julianne tackle the realities of trauma within neurodiverse relationships, especially the emotional impact on neurotypical partners who may feel unseen or misunderstood. They unpack terms like Cassandra Syndrome and Ongoing Traumatic Relationship Syndrome, revealing why typical marriage advice sometimes falls short for these couples. You’ll also hear practical insights about the importance of attunement, how the absence of emotional mirroring can lead to lasting pain, and new paths forward—like specialized neurodiversity coaching and frameworks that finally bring clarity and hope.

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Episode Artwork Episode 385 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Navigating Trauma and Healing in Neurodiverse Relationships" 30:20 Episode Artwork Episode 384 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "A Deeper Look Into Neurodiverse Marriages" 33:36 Episode Artwork Episode 383 - Christine Wolf Hoover, "Soul Adventuring: Embracing Bravery, Joy, and Healing" 35:03 Episode Artwork Episode 382 - "Transformational Weekend for Men" 33:13 Episode Artwork Episode 381 - Alan Fadling, "A Non-Anxious Life: Experiencing the Peace of God's Presence" 36:37 Episode Artwork Episode 380 - Michael & Julianne Cusick, "Deep Dive Into Intensive Counseling" 42:48 Episode Artwork Episode 379 - Dr. J.R. Briggs, "The Art of Asking Better Questions" 42:06 Episode Artwork Episode 378 - Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, "Finding Hope Through Brokenness" 28:21 Episode Artwork Episode 377 - Bette Dickinson, "The Art of Vinemaking" 47:12 Episode Artwork Episode 376 - Michael John Cusick & Ian Morgan Cron, "The 12 Steps for Everyone" 43:45 Episode Artwork Episode 375 - Tony Kriz, "From Trauma to Triumph: Literacy's Role in Healing" 41:28 Episode Artwork Episode 374 - Dr. Alison Cook, "Boundaries for Your Soul" 43:32 Episode Artwork Episode 373 - Dr. Camden Morgante, "Recovering from Purity Culture" 35:16 Episode Artwork Episode 372 - Drew Boa, "Outgrow Porn: Lasting Freedom from Sexual Compulsion" 45:47 Episode Artwork Episode 371 - "Belonging to Become: Exploring the Deepest Longing of the Human Heart" 50:02 Episode Artwork Episode 370 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Exploring Neurodiversity in Marriage" 28:11 Episode Artwork Episode 369 - John Eldredge, "Experience Jesus. Really." 48:50 Episode Artwork Episode 368 - Discovering Lectio Divina: Ancient Practices for a Modern Spiritual Journey, Part 2 22:53 Episode Artwork Episode 367 - Discovering Lectio Divina: Ancient Practices for a Modern Spiritual Journey 24:30 Episode Artwork Episode 366 - James Bryan Smith, "Integrating Faith and Psychology" 47:38 Episode Artwork Episode 365 - Ashley Opliger, "Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus Through Infant Loss" 41:39 Episode Artwork Episode 364 - Drs. Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, "Deeply Loved: The Power of Empathy" 40:02 Episode Artwork Episode 363 - Sam Jolman, "The Sex Talk You Never Got, Part 2" 28:16 Episode Artwork Episode 362 - Sam Jolman, "The Sex Talk You Never Got, Part 1" 28:22 Episode Artwork Episode 361 - "Faith, Trauma, and Intensive Therapy: Meet Rachel Moses" 25:17