Press Releases

It’s not Hollywood, It’s Real Life – Coping With the Challenges of Parenting with an Asperger Partner

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:48:00 GMT

Vancouver, WA, November 16, 2010 – Asperger Syndrome is a hot topic. Why? It's estimated that as many as 1.5 million Americans have some form of autism, including milder variants, and the number is rising. Even Hollywood is showing an interest in Asperger Syndrome (AS). In 2009, the movie “Adam" highlighted the difficulties of falling in love with someone who has Asperger Syndrome and currently NBC’s “Parenthood” has a character with Asperger Syndrome.

Kathy Marshack, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist, specializes in working with Asperger Syndrome relationships. Dr. Marshack's upcoming book "Parenting with a Spouse or Partner with Asperger Syndrome: Out of Sight, Out of Mind", discusses unique issues that come up when you’re co-parenting with an “Aspie” partner.

This new book is a follow-up to her previous book, “Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going over the Edge? Practical Steps to Saving You and Your Relationship" (Autism Asperger Publishing Company, March 2009), that focused on how partners/spouses of someone with AS can cope with these extremely challenging relationships and find happiness. After the success of “Going over the Edge?” many were left wondering, what’s next? How can someone co-parent with an Aspie partner? What about the children of an Asperger parent? How can a child thrive when his or her parent has so little empathy?

Dr. Marshack’s upcoming book, "Parenting with a Spouse or Partner with Asperger Syndrome: Out of Sight, Out of Mind", discusses these unique issues that come up when you’re co-parenting with an Aspie partner. Dr. Marshack notes that when you live with Aspies it’s the ordinary things of life that cease to function properly – like getting enough sleep, or asking your spouse to pick up a child from soccer practice. When co-parenting with an Aspie these ordinary things become strained and turn into not-so-ordinary moments leaving the Neuro-typical (NT) partner feeling drained, unnerved, and tense. In fact many NT spouses/partners report a variety of psycho-somatic and immunodeficiency illnesses such as migraines, arthritis, gastric reflux and fibromyalgia.

“Out of Sight, Out of Mind” will continue where “Going Over the Edge” left off with true stories from “Aspie” families and their not-so-ordinary moments. Each chapter closes with a series of “Lessons Learned” that recap the salient points of the chapter and offer new ways to look at the situations presented, as well as tips on how to handle similar situations in one’s own life.

A free sample chapter of "Parenting with a Spouse or Partner with Asperger Syndrome: Out of Sight, Out of Mind" is available for immediate download at www.kmarshack.com.

About Kathy Marshack, Ph.D.
Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. She has more than 30 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and business coach. Dr. Marshack has written two previous books, a variety of articles and a family business column, and is a contributor to the nationally acclaimed "Sixty Things to Do When You Turn Sixty" book. To learn more visit www.kmarshack.com or contact Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D.

at 360-256-0448 or 503-222-6678.

It’s Not a Romantic Comedy in Real Life – The Challenges Surrounding Intimacy and Asperger Syndrome

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:30:00 GMT

Contact:
Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D.
360-256-0448 or 503-222-6678
news@kmarshack.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It’s Not a Romantic Comedy in Real Life – The Challenges Surrounding Intimacy and Asperger Syndrome

Vancouver, WA, July 15, 2009—Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism that creates difficulties in social interaction, is being portrayed in the new acclaimed romantic comedy “Adam”. What happens when you fall in love with someone for whom love itself is an alien concept? Can people with Asperger Syndrome have meaningful, intimate relationships? The answer to these and other important questions can be found in Dr. Kathy Marshack’s new book: “Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going over the Edge? Practical Steps to Saving You and Your Relationship” published by Autism Asperger Publishing Company (March 2009). Interest in the subject of intimacy and Asperger Syndrome is growing, but the answers are scarce. In fact, so little is written on the subject of adult Asperger Syndrome (AS) relationships that Dr. Marshack received hundreds of emails from desperate people around the world—primarily women married to men with AS—after posting just one chapter of her book on her website. However, she’s also received hate mail from those that view her position as unfavorable to the Asperger community. This doesn’t surprise Dr. Marshack, a licensed psychologist and marriage therapist, who has observed these Asperger/Neurotypical couples developing very strained relationships. Worse yet, conflicts can escalate to damaging proportions involving divorce, domestic violence and depression. Many therapists don’t have the necessary training on how Asperger Syndrome impacts intimate relationships. In her book, Marshack dives right into these sensitive issues and shows readers how to take control of their lives and grow away from dysfunctional behavior and dysfunctional relationships. . . even if that means divorce. Dr. Marshack shares poignant true stories based on the lives of her clients and even her own family members who have Asperger’s. The book focuses on how partners/spouses of someone with AS can take back his or her life and find true meaning and happiness. The forward was written by Dr. Stephen Shore, internationally known author, consultant, and presenter on issues related to the autism spectrum who candidly shares insights from his own Asperger marriage. Both Dr. Marshack and Dr. Shore will be offering book signing at the Autism Society of America's 40th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders in St. Charles, Illinois on July 22nd – 25th.

About Kathy Marshack, Ph.D.

Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. She has more than 30 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and business coach. Dr. Marshack has written two previous books, a variety of articles and a family business column, and is a contributor to the nationally acclaimed Sixty Things to Do When You Turn Sixty. She has been profiled by national and local media, such as CNN, the Lifetime Channel, USA Today, and National Public Radio. Learn more by visiting www.kmarshack.com.

New Support Group in Portland, Oregon: Focuses on Helping Partners and Spouses of Adults with Asperger Syndrome

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:22:00 GMT

Contact:
Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D.
360-256-0448 or 503-222-6678
news@kmarshack.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Support Group in Portland, Oregon

Focuses on Helping Partners and Spouses of Adults with Asperger Syndrome

Portland, Oregon, May 11, 2009 – Licensed psychologist, Dr. Kathy Marshack, is launching a new support group, “Asperger Syndrome: Partners and Family of Adults with ASD,” in Portland, OR. This is not a therapy group, rather a place for people to learn from others and to share their story about the often frustrating and isolating life of loving an adult with Asperger Syndrome Disorder (ASD).

In addition to providing therapy to families dealing with ASD, Dr. Marshack is the author of “Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going over the Edge?” (Autism, Asperger Publishing Co. 2009). Marshack explains what motivated her to start this group, “After I posted the first chapter of my new book on my website, I was completely overwhelmed by the huge response from people around the world looking for guidance and support on how to navigate a relationship with a partner with Asperger Syndrome.”

The group is being organized through Meetup.com. Those interested in joining the group in Portland, Oregon can go to www.meetup.com/Asperger-Syndrome-Partners-Family-of-Adults-with-ASD/. There is no charge for participating in this group. This group is exclusively for Neuro-typicals, for those who love and care for adults with Asperger Syndrome.

In addition to providing a safe, supportive place to share their experiences, Dr. Marshack sees this group as a forum to learn more, through books, films and guest speakers. For example, she believes films such as "Mozart and the Whale" will stimulate important discussions about life as a partner of an ASD adult. Dr. Marshack will also invite experts in the field of Asperger Syndrome to speak, thereby creating a counterpoint to personal experience.

Here are the details for the first meeting:

When: Saturday, May 23rd at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Restaurant in Portland, address available on group web page.

What: Topic is Dr. Marshack’s new controversial book “Going over the Edge?”

Register: Sign-up at www.meetup.com/Asperger-Syndrome-Partners-Family-of-Adults-with-ASD/

More information about Dr. Marshack and her new book is available on her website – www.kmarshack.com.

About Kathy Marshack, Ph.D.

Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. She has more than 30 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and business coach. Dr. Marshack has written two previous books, a variety of articles and a family business column, and is a contributor to the nationally acclaimed Sixty Things to Do When You Turn Sixty. She has been profiled by national and local media, such as CNN, the Lifetime Channel, USA Today, and National Public Radio. Learn more by visiting www.kmarshack.com.

Intimacy and Asperger Syndrome – Can They Coexist?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:24:00 GMT

Contact:
Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D.
360-256-0448 or 503-222-6678
news@kmarshack.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Intimacy and Asperger Syndrome – Can They Coexist?

Dr. Kathy Marshack Introduces her New Controversial Book:
Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going over the Edge?

Vancouver, WA, April 6, 2009 – Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism that has captured the attention of the media because of the unexplainable increase in diagnoses among children. But, what happens when children with Asperger Syndrome grow up? Can they have meaningful, intimate relationships? The answer to these questions can be found in Dr. Kathy Marshack’s new book: “Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going over the Edge? Practical Steps to Saving You and Your Relationship” published by Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

Interest in the subject of intimacy and Asperger Syndrome is growing, but the answers are scarce. In fact, so little is written on the subject of adult Asperger Syndrome (AS) relationships that Dr. Marshack received hundreds of desperate emails from people around the world – primarily women married to men with AS – after posting just one chapter of her book on her website. She was also interviewed for an article in USA Today entitled, “A long shadow is lifted on Asperger’s in adults” published on July 23, 2007.

Dr. Marshack explains the dramatic and emotional response to her book, “Thousands in a relationship with someone with Asperger Syndrome are suffering in silence. Most adults with Asperger Syndrome are undiagnosed so someone’s smart, financially successful husband could have AS, yet they’re undiagnosed and can pass for normal, except at home.”

When there’s a lack of understanding, these relationships often become strained. Worse yet, conflicts can escalate to damaging proportions, involving divorce, domestic violence and depression. Marshack dives right into these sensitive issues and shows readers how to take control of their lives and grow away from dysfunctional behavior and dysfunctional relationships.

As a psychologist, Dr. Marshack shares poignant true stories – based on her own life as well as the lives of her clients. The book focuses on how partners/spouses of someone with AS can take back his or her life and find true meaning and happiness. The forward was written by Dr. Stephen Shore, internationally known author, consultant, and presenter on issues related to the autism spectrum who candidly shares insights from his own marriage. In addition, each chapter closes with a series of “Lessons Learned” that recap the main points of the chapter and offer new ways to look at these very unique challenges.

This book will shed light on many who suffer in silence and, with increased understanding, will make a difference in the happiness of many people. To learn more visit http://www.kmarshack.com.

About Kathy Marshack, Ph.D.

Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. She has more than 30 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and business coach. Dr. Marshack has written two previous books, a variety of articles and a family business column, and is a contributor to the nationally acclaimed Sixty Things to Do When You Turn Sixty. She has been profiled by national and local media, such as CNN, the Lifetime Channel, USA Today, and National Public Radio. Learn more by visiting www.kmarshack.com.

New Survey Shows Financial Downturn is Taking a Toll on Emotional and Physical Health

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:23:00 GMT

Contact: Kathy Marshack, Ph.D, P.S.
or Michelle Lathim, Office Coordinator
Email – info@kmarshack.com
Phone – 360-256-0448 or 503-222-6678

New Survey Shows Financial Downturn is Taking a Toll on Emotional and Physical Health

Local Psychologist Provides Tips for Managing Increased Stress

Portland, OR October 9 – The economic downturn is taking a physical and emotional toll on Americans, according to data from the American Psychological Association’s newly released 2008 Stress in America survey. This confirms what local psychologist, Kathy Marshack, Ph.D, P.S., has already noticed in her private practice based in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington.

The survey revealed that almost half of Americans say that they’re increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for their family’s basic needs. Apparently it is women who are bearing the brunt of all this financial insecurity. Compared with men, more women reported stress about money, the economy, job stability, housing costs and health problems affecting their families.

All this stress is creating health problems. In June 2008, more people reported physical and emotional symptoms due to stress than they did in 2007. Health consequences of stress are most severe when people either ignore the symptoms or fail to manage their stress in a healthy way.

Dr. Kathy Marshack, a psychologist and family therapist with over thirty years of experience, recommends that people increase their awareness of the emotional and physical symptoms of stress. Here are symptoms that you should look for:

Fatigue
Feelings of irritability or anger
Sleeplessness
Lack of interest or motivation
Feeling depressed or sad
Headaches and muscular tension

Dr. Marshack counsels a shift in how you view problems, including the current economic crisis. She says, “If you recognize that life is a complex and problem-filled arena designed to assist you on your quest toward wisdom, then when you have a problem you'll face it squarely with full self-acceptance. You'll dig in, assess, diagnose and search out the meaning. You will use all the strengths at your disposal to create workable solutions. At the end you'll be a little smarter, a little wiser, a little stronger, and a little saner.”

Dr. Marshack advises that those who feel overwhelmed by stress should seek help from a mental health professional. More information on the survey is available at www.apahelpcenter.org. Dr. Kathy Marshack’s tips for managing stress are available at www.kmarshack.com.

Do You Have What It Takes to Work with Your Spouse?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:54:00 GMT

Date: September 18 , 2007
Contact: Michelle Lathim , Office Coordinator
(360) 256-0448 or (503) 222-6678
info@kmarshack.com

Do You Have What It Takes to Work with Your Spouse?

Couples can find the answer to that question in a new workbook by Kathy Marshack, a nationally recognized expert on entrepreneurial couples. Dr. Marshack uses her research and experience as a psychologist and family/business coach to answer the following questions:

What kind of couple makes a good entrepreneurial couple?
What are the secrets to success for making it work with your spouse?
Who in their right mind would want to work with their significant other?

This workbook is in a digital format so couples can download it and work through the exercises. These exercises are designed to be thought-provoking and to help them make the most of the entrepreneurial life-style.

More in-depth research on couples who work together is available in Dr. Marshack’s hardback book, “ENTREPRENEURIAL COUPLES: Making It Work at Work and at Home.” Both books are now available for purchase at her website – www.kmarshack.com.

News Story Feeds Raging Controversy on Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:52:00 GMT

Date: July 30 , 2007
Contact: Michelle Lathim , Office Coordinator
(360) 256-0448 or (503) 222-6678
info@kmarshack.com

News Story Feeds Raging Controversy on Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome

The controversy on adults with Asperger’s Syndrome heated up with the USA Today article, “A long shadow is lifted on Asperger’s in adults,” which ran July 24th. Psychologist Kathy Marshack, who was interviewed for the article, was not surprised to see that both clinicians and patients had a highly emotional response to the article. The controversy continues to rage on websites and blogs all over the internet.

The controversy is really twofold. First, are there a significant number of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) that have not been diagnosed? Second, do men and women with AS form intimate relationships by marrying and having children?

From her personal experience with family members and clients in her private practice, Dr. Kathy Marshack believes that yes, there are many adults with Asperger’s that remain undiagnosed and yes, they do have marriage mates and children. Dr. Marshack stated in the USA Today article her belief that Asperger’s Syndrome often “doesn’t come to light until a spouse or adult child seeks therapy for depression or poor self-esteem that results from the coldness and egocentricity Asperger's adults demonstrate in relationships.”

Dr. Marshack hopes her book “A SLIVER IN MY MIND: Loving Those with Asperger Syndrome” will shed light on the intricacies of relationships between AS patients and their families. More information on her book and Asperger Syndrome is available on her website – www.kmarshack.com.

Baby Boomer Connects with President Clinton

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:50:00 GMT

Date: April 26, 2007
Contact: Michelle Lathim , Office Coordinator
(360) 256-0448 or (503) 222-6678
info@kmarshack.com

BABY BOOMER CONNECTS WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON

Psychologist Kathy Marshack was a little nervous before meeting with President Clinton. She was a guest at a party Bill Clinton attended in a private home in Portland, Oregon. She was quickly put at ease by Clinton as they talked about something they had in common – spending a night in jail!

Dr. Marshack, who is a nationally recognized author, brought a book she’d recently contributed to, “Sixty Things To Do When You Turn Sixty.” She brought the book as a gift for Hillary Clinton since Senator Clinton will be celebrating her sixtieth birthday this year.

President Clinton was wearing a “Hillary Clinton For President” pin when he graciously accepted Dr. Marshack’s book for his wife’s sixtieth birthday. No doubt that’s the one thing Hillary wants when she turns sixty - to become President!

The essay Kathy Marshack wrote for the book is entitled “Go Directly to Jail.” In it she discusses her experience when she spent a few nights in jail as well as the valuable lessons she learned from it. Bill Clinton told about a night he spent in jail as well! The baby boomers shared a laugh as they looked back on their unusual stories.

Dr. Marshack was also impressed by comments Clinton made about Al Qaeda that evening. He talked about bullies and the need to be aware that bullies only desire to destroy us. Kathy reflected, “This certainly has been a tough lesson for me personally. I have worked my entire adult life in a field that promotes negotiating a win-win solution. So it has been a very tough lesson to learn that there are some people that will not quit until they crush you.”

Dr. Marshack’s “Go Directly to Jail” essay is available on her website – www.kmarshack.com.

Tremendous Personal Growth Comes from Working With Your Spouse

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:08:00 GMT

Date: September 14, 2004
Contact: Jennifer Odear, Marketing Coordinator
(360) 256-0448 or (503) 222-6678
jennifer@kmarshack.com

TREMENDOUS PERSONAL GROWTH COMES FROM WORKING WITH YOUR SPOUSE

Co-owning and managing a business with your spouse is tough! This is according to the October issue of Inc. Magazine, which analyzed the subject as part of its "Ultimate How-to Guide for Business Owners." However, Kathy Marshack, a psychologist and consultant specializing in entrepreneurial couples, explained the upside of this lifestyle.

Upside? It's a lot of work to combine the challenges of a business partnership with the challenges of a marriage. Dr. Marshack explains why it's worth the effort, "There's potential for tremendous personal growth. When you're confronted constantly by someone who knows you so well, you're going to have an extraordinary opportunity to work on your flaws and develop as a person."

Dr. Marshack uses in-depth personal assessments in her book, ENTREPRENEURIAL COUPLES: Making It Work at Work and at Home, to show couples how they can attain their personal goals while they develop a successful business and meaningful relationship. More information on the entrepreneurial lifestyle visit is available on Dr. Marshack's website, www.executivecouples.com.

Working With the Ones You Love

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:09:00 GMT

Date: February 23, 2004
Contact: Jennifer Odear, Marketing Coordinator
(360) 256-0448 or (503) 222-6678
jennifer@kmarshack.com

WORKING WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE

HOW TO ATTAIN HEALTH, WEALTH AND LOVE IN A FAMILY BUSINESS

This is the topic Dr. Kathy Marshack addressed at the annual meeting for the franchise organization, Two Men and a Truck, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The organization sought out Dr. Marshack because of her expertise with family businesses. The majority of franchisees run their business as a family and they benefited greatly by Dr. Marshack's research and practical advice. How can family businesses distinguish where the family ends and the business begins? Why is it important to clean up relationship problems first? What are some of the keys to a happy family and successful business? These are just some of the questions Dr. Marshack helped her audience answer as they analyzed their own way of dealing with family while running their business.

Dr. Marshack also discussed how couples in business can make their relationship work in a recent interview with the newspaper, The Arizona Republic.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO RUN A BUSINESS WITH YOUR SIBLINGS?

Before you bring a sibling on as a business partner, you need to make sure you can work together. Dr. Kathy Marshack, a licensed psychologist and family business consultant, was recently interviewed on this subject for an article in the February issue of My Business Magazine. Dr. Marshack offered five questions to ask before going into business with a sibling:1. Have you solved all of that old sibling rivalry stuff from your childhood? 2. Have you really assessed who is good at what? 3. Who else from the family would fit into your business? 4. Have you determined fair compensation?5. How do you want spouses and your children to affect the business and vice versa?

For more practical information on family business visit Dr. Marshack's website, www.executivecouples.com.