About the Book
_______________________PRAISE FOR DR. MARSHACK'S LATEST READ ON NAVIGATING A NEURODIVERGENT LIFE
"Empathy Is More Than Words" is an excellent addition to Dr. Kathy Marshack's line of books that serve as primers for relating to people who lack Empathy because of Autism, traumatic brain injury, addiction, or illness. She takes a deep dive into the essence of Empathy.
_______________________ Enter a roomful of people and, if you have Empathy, you unconsciously gauge who has-or doesn't have-Empathy. How is it that you can do so, but those without Empathy cannot? To answer this, Dr. Marshack leads her readers on a profound journey into the intrinsic nature of Empathy. She addresses many of the troubling communication conundrums that plague relationships between the NeuroTypical (NT) and the NeuroDiverse (ND).
"NeuroDiverse" (ND) describes the unique workings of a brain that is different from those with typical neurological development or functioning; hence, the term, "NeuroTypical." A relationship between a person who is NeuroDiverse and another who is NeuroTypical is considered "NeuroDivergent."
An established psychologist for more than 35 years and a prolific writer on Empathy and Empathy Dysfunction (EmD), Dr. Marshack confronts myths about Empathy head-on and clearly demonstrates how Empathy is indeed more than words. She introduces her newest discovery, Radiant Empathy. The epitome of Empathy, Radiant Empathy goes well beyond having an empathic understanding of another individual. It is the willingness to forgive yourself and others while commanding the courage and wisdom to stand up for those who are suffering, perhaps from PTSD episodes triggered by new trauma. Forgiveness, emphasizes Dr. Marshack, is fundamental to Radiant Empathy.
A stand-out example of Radiant Empathy is seen in a poignant photo taken 11 days into the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. It depicts a line of empty strollers and prams, collected by Empathetic Polish mothers and left waiting at a Poland train station for the Ukrainian mothers who would soon arrive with next to nothing. This telling photo of steadfast Radiant Empathy appeared in media worldwide.
Several "out-of-the-box" tools unfold in this book, including the
Empathy Triad, which represents the relationship of
Empathy to Context and Conversation; and the
7-Step Interface Protocol, which can bridge the psychological divide between the NeuroTypical and the NeuroDiverse.
Many NeuroDivergent couples have sought out Dr. Marshack for relationship help. Using the tools discussed in this book, they have succeeded in reclaiming the love lost in the chaos of NeuroDivergence.
Open this tool chest of a book, and you, too, can help your relationship evolve to a saner, more companionable state. Curious readers will discover how a grizzly bear, pirates, software development, Pepto Bismol, confetti, the witches of Oz, Monica Lewinsky, Malala Yousafzai, and Autistic comedienne Hannah Gadsby factor into the author's fascinating discoveries about Empathy.
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The second and third books,
"Out of Sight-Out of Mind" and
"Empathy Is More Than Words," are also available as paperbacks and eBooks. The first,
"Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going Over the Edge," is a paperback. The fourth,
"'Asperger Syndrome' and Relationships: Everything You Need to Survive a NeuroDivergent Life," is an eBook.
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Dr. Marshack offers extensive resources to help NeuroDivergent couples and others impacted by Empathy Dysfunction. This includes her innovative on-demand video course, "'ASPERGER SYNDROME' & Relationships: Life with an Adult on the Autism Spectrum," http: //www.asd-ntrelationships.com/courses.
