Janet Walsh-Adams is a neurodivergent PhD candidate at Deakin University, researching a pattern that many autistic people have noticed for years: autistic adults may be more likely to pursue consensual non-monogamy (CNM). We talk about what CNM is (and what it isn't) and how stigma — not the relationship style itself — often creates the biggest risks.

Janet shares personal context alongside early findings from her work, including how autism, ADHD, gender diversity, and LGBTQIA+ identity can overlap with relationship structures like CNM, polyamory, kink/BDSM, and relationship anarchy. We also dig into what clinicians still need to learn (and unlearn) about autistic intimacy, and what Janet hopes her research will change — especially when it comes to safety and autonomy.

Topics explored include:

• What consensual non-monogamy actually means (polyamory, monogamish, swinging, and more)
• Why autistic people are so often miscast as uninterested in intimacy and where myths like these come from
• Autism + ADHD overlap, AuDHD, sensation seeking, and more
• Gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ culture as key factors in relationship styles
• Which group reports higher infidelity — autistics or neurotypicals?
• Why breakups in non-monogamous relationships aren't "proof they don't work"

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Follow Janet on LinkedIn.

If you'd like to know more about topics discussed in this episode, check out:

"Sexuality, Gender, and Autism" by K. Cooke et al. (chapter in The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Disability edited by Gabriel Bennett and Emma Goodall)

Theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha.

All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.

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The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or professional advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions related to your health, fitness, or wellness.