Written by neuropsychologist Theresa M. Regan, PhD, CAS, this book explains how social connection actually works—and why it can feel so complex.
Drawing from more than 30 years of clinical experience and over 1,000 autism evaluations in adolescents and adults, Dr. Regan translates research into real-life application.
Inside, you will learn how to:
• Recognize the difference between task-focused and relationship-focused communication
• Strengthen conversational skills without sacrificing authenticity
• Navigate compliments, gratitude, and emotional reciprocity
• Approach conflict without falling into “all good” or “all bad” thinking
• Repair misunderstandings and rebuild trust
This book does not promote masking or changing who you are. Instead, it increases clarity—about your own communication style, about the expectations of others, and about how neurological differences influence interaction.
Whether you are an autistic adult seeking insight, a spouse or partner wanting to strengthen connection, a parent supporting growth, or a clinician working with neurodiverse clients, this book provides structured guidance grounded in compassion.
Dr. Regan is a highly accomplished neuropsychologist and certified autism specialist, with extensive expertise in autism in adults. As the creator and host of the popular Autism in the Adult podcast, which has garnered over half a million downloads, and the author of two acclaimed books on the topic, Dr. Regan is recognized as a leading voice in the field. She has developed educational courses for both professionals and the public and regularly consults as a content expert for adult autism. She is the mother of a young adult on the spectrum. Her reputation as a dynamic speaker, educator, and media guest further underscores her exceptional qualifications for training and educating others.
Audiences:
Schools (secondary, university), autistic individuals and their family members, medical staff, first responders, mental health specialists, neuropsychologists, counselors, and more.
Topics:
Autism in specific populations (women, eating disorders, medical patients, etc), neuropsychological profiles, dementia assessment in the autistic, understanding the neurology of autistic characteristics, autism assessment in adults, feedback about exam results, supporting autistic individuals across context (the community, hospital, university), differential diagnosis, gender and sexuality, self-care and burnout, adaptive behavior and making goals, executive function, regulation strategies, interventions, and more.
