The purpose of this study, entitled, The brilliant bond: A brain style-affirming exploration of couples’ interactional patterns and supports, is to explore the experiences of partners in a relational system (i.e., a couple), where at least one partner identifies as having an Autistic brain style and the other partner reports having an Autistic brain style and/or ADHD brain style. Drawing on an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) framework, the researchers will use the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition ([MIGDAS-2] Monteiro & Stegall, 2018) to identify relational strengths, differences, and targeted supports, and to determine their impact on the couple’s interaction cycle.
Please submit your answers to the survey to be considered a potential study participant. Couples are encouraged to apply when meeting these criteria:
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Must be 23 years of age or older.
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Must be in a committed relationship for 12 months or longer.
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At least one partner must identify as having an Autistic brain style (formal diagnosis or validated by the MIGDAS-2 (Monteiro & Stegall, 2018) brain style assessment), and the other partner must identify as having an Autistic brain style and/or ADHD brain style (formal diagnosis or validated by the MIGDAS-2 brain style assessment).
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Must be able to understand English (5th-grade level) and be capable of active engagement in interviews conducted in English.
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Participants are open to providing sensitive and vulnerable information about their relational system and personal brain style (i.e., strengths, and challenges related to communication, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, need for routine, conflict, etc.).
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Participants are willing to attend six (6) intervention sessions with the researcher/facilitator to track awareness, insight, and change of the interaction cycle.
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Participants are willing to reflect on their experiences related to their interaction cycle before and after the intervention.
There are no financial incentives for completing this screening survey or engaging in the full interview and facilitated intervention process. If you are invited to become a participant in this study, you will be asked to provide answers to questions that may feel personal and/or intimate in nature through a video-recorded and transcribed interview.
During each interview, participants will be asked about neurodivergence, relationship strengths, stressors, communication, and conflict. Each of the three (3) interviews will be approximately 60-90 minutes, including time for each partner and one interview as a couple. After the first three interviews, you are invited to participate in six (6) facilitated therapeutic intervention sessions lasting 60-90 minutes each.
Your participation in this study will be completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time for any reason. If you have any further questions about this study, you may contact Robyn L. Flores, the principal investigator, at Robyn.Flores@etamu.edu . If you have any questions regarding the rights of research participants, you may contact the East Texas A&M University Institutional Review Board (IRB) at IRB@etamu.edu.
Thank you,Dr. Robyn L. Flores (PI), Tiffany L. Berry (co-PI), Dr. Marilyn Monteiro, Alan Liu, and Madison Carro.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling, please consider reaching out to the contact below: National Suicide Hotline: 988/ Online Chat Option: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
As a researcher...I thoroughly enjoy the process of qualitative research - from Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (i.e., my 500+ page dissertation) to personal interviews learning more about an individual's brain style (i.e., MIGDAS-2 assessments, battery of trauma assessments). I enjoy multi-layered topics that give me opportunities to practice standpoint and epistemic humility in my writing and research projects. Below are articles and books in print, in progress, or draft submitted. Additionally, I have presented research and innovative concepts at local, regional, and national conferences.
PUBLISHED/SUBMITTED:
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (2026 January 1). Code of ethics. Author
Dr. Flores served as the Project Consultant for the 13th edition revision project, leading a 6-member Task Force, 1 Task Force Chair, and 3 attorneys through the revision process (thematic analysis).
Flores, R. L. (2026). Standard VIII: Financial arrangements. In S. Woods AAMFT code of ethics user's guide. American Association for
Marriage and Family Therapy (with editors, publication date TBD)
Leslie, R., & Flores, R. L. (2026). Supervision of supervision: Who’s got you? In AAMFT's Systemic supervision. American
Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (with editors, publication date TBD)
Flores, R. L., Paulsen, M., Seymour, C., & Vavro, C. (2026). Sex, trauma, and healing intimacy. In J. Brewer & L. Joseph, Human
sexuality in counseling: The art of healing. Taylor & Francis (with publisher, publication date TBD)
Flores, R. L. (2026). What’s ethics got to do with it?: Ethical and cultural considerations. In J. Brewer & L. Joseph, Human sexuality in counseling: The art of healing. Taylor & Francis (with publisher, publication date TBD)
Reynolds, L. R., & Flores, R. L. (2026). Unveiling the 2026 AAMFT code of ethics. Family Therapy Magazine.
Bunch, M. G., Lyons, M., Boyd, N., Flores, R., & Khanna, K. (2025). Maintaining intimacy in long-term marriages during graduate
school. The Family Journal, 33(3), 374-378. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807251318980
Bluemline, J., Dossaji, E.; Kile, C.; Flores, R. L. (2024). Professional risks and pitfalls, and a gatekeeper’s response. In A. Dossaji & C.
Kile (Eds.) Ethical considerations in professional counseling programs. Cognella. https://a.co/d/bVqxUpN
IN-PROGRESS:
Flores, R. L., Berry, T. L., Monteiro, M., Liu, A., & Carro, M. (2026). The brilliant bond: A brain style affirming exploration of couple interactional patterns and supports (in progress).
Flores, R. L., & Adame, C. (2026). Methods of ethical decision-making: A cross-code comparison for attorneys. (in progress)
Flores, R. L. (2025). The goddess spectrum: Ethical and affirming counseling for women navigating neurodivergence and sexuality (draft in progress for clinical book - original dissertation study).
Flores, R. L. (2027, January 23). Supporting client navigating trauma-acquired neurodivergence [Presentation]. East Texas A&M University, Doctoral Residency, Dallas, Texas, United States
Patton, G. L., Lyons, M., & Flores, R. L. (2026, November 3). The pain behind the pain: Self-harm [Pre-conference 3-hour encore presentation], Kentucky Counseling Association Annual Conference, Louisville, Kentucky, United States (upcoming)
Flores, R. L. (2026, July 21). Neuroanatomy, trauma, and psychotropic medication [Presentation]. East Texas A&M University, Doctoral Residency, Dallas, Texas, United States. https://canva.link/e3227uau6hjn45h
Flores, R. L. (2026, May 2). Be the light. Chi Sigma Iota, Epsilon Tau Induction Ceremony [Keynote], Dallas, Texas. https://canva.link/wqqqmi486hwzvki
Flores, R. L. (2025, November 15). NCE exam prep: Professional orientation and ethics [Workshop]. Chi Sigma Iota, Epsilon Tau Chapter, Dallas, Texas, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAG4xQNprBs/OUEBvA90itEntKky2a_AUQ/edit?utm_content=DAG4xQNprBs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Patton, G. L., Lyons, M., & Flores, R. L. (2025, November 6). The pain behind the pain: Self-harm [Conference presentation], Kentucky Counseling Association Annual Conference, Louisville, Kentucky, United States (invited, could not attend due to plane crash and closed runways). https://www.canva.com/design/DAG200kWyM8/2DuP9sv9SNlGOsWZc7w7jw/edit?utm_content=DAG200kWyM8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (2025, September 8). Show your work: Cultivating trauma-informed ethical dispositions through methodology [keynote speaker, workshop]. Austin Marriage and Family Therapy Association (AMFT), Austin, Texas, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGukq7B5R0/Py1a0f4HimKW1dPXiueiqg/edit?utm_content=DAGukq7B5R0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (2026, February 23). Neuroanatomy and Trauma [Lecture]. East Texas A&M University, Doctoral Residency, Dallas, Texas, United States.
Flores, R. L. (2026, February 22). Show your work, ethics methodology [Workshop]. East Texas A&M University, Doctoral Residency, Dallas, Texas, United States. https://canva.link/vb2czp0ejvq2sia
Flores, R. L. (2026, February 22). Show your work, ethics methodology [Workshop]. East Texas A&M University, Doctoral Residency, Dallas, Texas, United States. https://canva.link/vb2czp0ejvq2sia
Flores, R. L. (2026, February 21). Neuro-affirming conversations [Workshop]. East Texas A&M University, Doctoral Residency, Dallas, Texas, United States. https://canva.link/e0bfpxglu4c63qx
Flores, R. L. (2025, November 15). NCE exam prep: Professional orientation and ethics [Workshop]. Chi Sigma Iota, Epsilon Tau Chapter, Dallas, Texas, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAG4xQNprBs/OUEBvA90itEntKky2a_AUQ/edit?utm_content=DAG4xQNprBs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Patton, G. L., Lyons, M., & Flores, R. L. (2025, November 6). The pain behind the pain: Self-harm [Conference presentation], Kentucky Counseling Association Annual Conference, Louisville, Kentucky, United States (invited, could not attend due to plane crash and closed runways). https://www.canva.com/design/DAG200kWyM8/2DuP9sv9SNlGOsWZc7w7jw/edit?utm_content=DAG200kWyM8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (2025, September 8). Show your work: Cultivating trauma-informed ethical dispositions through methodology [keynote speaker, workshop]. Austin Marriage and Family Therapy Association (AMFT), Austin, Texas, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGukq7B5R0/Py1a0f4HimKW1dPXiueiqg/edit?utm_content=DAGukq7B5R0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (2025, May 16). Working with marginalized neurotypes: Relationships and sex. Online.
Flores, R. L. (2025, January 23). Ethical and legal implications: Intersection of Autism and PTSS [Workshop]. Legacy Trails Therapy, PLLC, online.
Patton, G. L. & Flores, R. L. (2024, November 4). Supervision: Both hands on the wheel. Ethical Best Practices in Supervision [Conference session]. Kentucky Counseling Association Annual Conference (KCA), Covington, Kentucky, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGVXEnhWn4/5ok4Zq4MUTl8yXRziuUjrg/edit?utm_content=DAGVXEnhWn4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L., & Hayes, K. (2024, October 26). Unmasked: Women ADHDers navigating neuroconventional academic environments [Conference session]. Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) 2024 Regional Conference. Tucson, Arizona, United States (invited).
Flores, R. L. (2024, October 25). Different vs. deficit: Critical events and autistic trauma [Information session for first responders]. Online.
Flores, R. L. (2024, October 25). Working with marginalized neurotypes: Ethical and neuro-affirming care for neurodivergent clients. [Workshop]. Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), Chi Psi Omega, University of the Cumberlands, online. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkb5d8MJc/kZeU6gRYjbbohLdgs2AcDQ/edit?utm_content=DAGkb5d8MJc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (2024, October 11). Neurotransmission and communication: Ethical and neuro-affirming care for couples [Workshop]. Austin Marriage and Family Therapy Association, Austin, Texas, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAG569UHfTE/6pERXHu6kbXz7thPdNpTxg/edit?utm_content=DAG569UHfTE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. & Santos III, J. (2024, March 22). Diverse cognitive styles in relational therapy [Workshop]. Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT), online. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGAPPUOcM4/pp0-RlM01VX4DNm3wtwdNg/edit?utm_content=DAGAPPUOcM4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Patton, G., Lyons, M., & Flores, R. L. (2023, November 17). Return to Abilene [Conference session] University of the Cumberlands Collaboration Conference, online. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFvYvdMNio/HgBiGJy-CNHg09_zQRJ1jQ/edit?utm_content=DAFvYvdMNio&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Patton, G., Lyons, M., & Flores, R. L. (2023, November 9). Return to Abilene [Conference session]. Kentucky Counseling Association Annual Conference, Louisville, Kentucky, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAG57JX6ft4/qKfoeYaIEUCUN4GkxG6USw/edit?utm_content=DAG57JX6ft4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L., Lee, C. (2023, November 3). Demystifying erotic countertransference through supervision [Conference session]. Association for Creativity in Counseling, Melbourne Beach, Florida, United States, invited.
Flores, R. L., Lee, C. (October 10, 2023). Demystifying erotic countertransference through supervision [Workshop]. Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT), online. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFwin8Kjh0/r0FTHJJLczAXQsee765BTw/edit?utm_content=DAFwin8Kjh0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (2023, July 8). Boundaries in families [Symposium]. Inaugural Dallas County Youth Mental Health Symposium, Dallas, Texas, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFnfyfPPNs/PfyvBgmRDFbN5O8ZV6A1kg/edit?utm_content=DAFnfyfPPNs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
In-person
Flores, R. L. (2023, June 12). Ethics, Neurodiversity, and Advocacy in Mental Health [Panel]. DFW Psychiatry Group, online.
Flores, R. L. (2022, November 16). Neurodiversity is sexy [Conference session]. Sexual Health Alliance Inner Circle Conference, online. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFSIO43U6s/kJhtfPXNYp31WIl9pxX0Yg/edit?utm_content=DAFSIO43U6s&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Lyons, M, Bunch, M. G., Boyd, N., & Flores, R. L. (2022, November 5). Intimacy alterations in counselor education and supervision graduate programs [Poster presentation]. Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES) Conference. Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
Brewer, J., & Flores, R. L. (2022, November 4). Let’s talk about sex: Sexuality concerns in counseling [Conference session]. Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES) Conference. Baltimore, Maryland, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFB5bb1hpY/eKfYDtClKsxx1MTeasEJtA/edit?utm_content=DAFB5bb1hpY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Brewer, J. & Flores, R. L. (2022, April 8). Let’s talk about sex: Sexuality concerns in counseling [Conference main session]. American Counseling Association Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DAG57PcHjm4/u0ZN76q7Yh-wmstLQOha2Q/edit?utm_content=DAG57PcHjm4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (September 2021). Sex Positive Therapy [Conference session]. Annual University of the Cumberlands Doctoral Residency, online. https://www.canva.com/design/DAEp0BTWdgQ/6wxF7inK3gQwFgpoyeFpoQ/edit?utm_content=DAEp0BTWdgQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Flores, R. L. (2021, August 8). Body Image & Sex [Conference session]. Inaugural Sexual Health Alliance “WYLD” Conference. https://www.canva.com/design/DAELKBimy2k/37YJ8kYkTCBsXZAhHxIyTA/edit?utm_content=DAELKBimy2k&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Abbassi, A., & Flores, R. L. (November 2019). Couple sex therapy 101 [Conference session]. Texas Counseling Association Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, United States. https://www.canva.com/design/DADoMNInuGY/ydw4JH6nAGBMYp4gg4eyXw/edit?utm_content=DADoMNInuGY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton