Welcome to Maxine Aston's Website.

Making difference work

The New Cassandra Workshop

The New Cassandra Workshop is designed for women who are in a neurodiverse relationship with an autistic partner. Maxine has been running Cassandra Workshops for over sixteen years and they have been well attended by individuals from all over the world. The aim of the workshop is to bring together a small group of women to share a day of learning, discussion, understanding, support and most importantly a safe place where they will be believed. Many of the attendees have benefited by the support from like-minded members and have formed long term friendships whilst creating a support system. This has, in return, reduced the feelings of loneliness and hopelessness that many of the women express. The one day workshop aims to improve well being and restore self-esteem, which in turn can benefit all in the relationship and family.

Forthcoming Events

Three spaces left.
The next Cassandra Workshop-
'The Other Half of Autism' will be held in Coventry, West Midlands on
Friday 17th October 2025.
Please register your interest with us by emailing:-parkcounsellingcentre@gmail.com
We will send you details of the venue and booking.
Places are limited to twelve delegates only.

Books by Maxine.

NEW BOOK

Discover a groundbreaking new book by Professor Tony Attwood and Maxine Aston, which draws on the experiences of over two hundred autistic neurodiverse couples who sought relationship counselling. This insightful work highlights the critical need for greater awareness and specialized training for relationship counsellors globally. By illuminating the unique challenges faced by these couples, the authors advocate for support and understanding in the field of relationship counselling.

Journals.

Journal Papers by Maxine Aston

Aston. M. (2021) Making Difference Work, Autism, Spring Edition

Aston. M. (2014) Say what you mean, mean what you say, University & College Counselling journal

Aston. M. (2013) Embracing Difference in the Therapy Room: Understanding Asperger Syndrome, ‘Contemporary Psychology’ 6(2) Winter.

Aston. M. (2012) Asperger Syndrome in the Bedroom, ‘Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice’ 27(1) 73-79.

Understanding Asperger syndrome
Therapy Today, September 2011 Volume 22 Issue 7

Aston, M. (2007) Recognising AS and its Implications for Therapy. BACP information sheet G9. Lutterworth: BACP

Aston, M. (2005) ‘Growing up in an Asperger family.’ Counselling Children and Young People. Summer.

Aston, M. (2003) ‘Asperger syndrome in the counselling room.’ Counselling and

Psychotherapy Journal 14,

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