April 2
Print versions available April 2nd
Understanding Communication and Relationships in Autism
I am pleased to announce the release of the third volume in The Understanding Autism Series: Understanding Communication and Relationships in Autism.
Relationships are rarely difficult because people do not care. More often, they become strained because communication is misunderstood — tone is misread, intentions are misinterpreted, or expectations remain unspoken.
In this volume, I explore how communication actually works in everyday relationships and why it can feel especially complex for autistic adolescents and adults. Drawing from more than 30 years of clinical experience in neuropsychology and nearly 1,000 autism evaluations, this book translates research and diagnostic criteria into practical, real-life application.
Topics include:
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The distinction between task-focused and relationship-focused interaction
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Navigating compliments, gratitude, and reciprocity
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Understanding how shame and misinterpretation affect connection
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Practical strategies for conflict repair and relational resilience
This book is written for autistic adults, partners, parents, and professionals who want greater clarity — not scripts or masking, but understanding. When insight increases, relationships become less fragile and more grounded in mutual respect.
Understanding Communication and Relationships in Autism builds on the foundation of the first two volumes and continues the goal of the series: to increase understanding across the lifespan.
I am deeply grateful to the individuals and families whose experiences have shaped this work, and I hope this book offers meaningful support to those navigating communication and connection in their own lives.
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.
