We recently connected with Ali Perkinson and have shared our conversation below.

Ali, appreciate you joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

Mia and Ethan, a couple deeply in love, often clashed over communication. Mia’s black-and-white thinking as a data analyst and Ethan’s emotionally-driven creativity as a graphic designer led to frequent arguments. Both felt unheard, trapped in a cycle of needing to be “right,” and their traditional couples therapy only emphasized compromise without addressing their deeper patterns.

Frustrated, they sought help from, a neurodiverse couples counselor. In their first session, they discovered they were both neurodiverse, which explained their challenges with perspective-taking and emotional regulation. I introduced tailored tools to help them thrive:
1. “Shared Reality”: Starting discussions with agreed-upon facts to avoid misinterpretation.
2. “Two Truths Circle”: Acknowledging that their differing perspectives could coexist.
3. Sensory Check-ins: Pausing during conflicts to manage sensory or emotional overload.
4. Scripts and Signals: Creating clear, consistent ways to communicate needs.

With these tools, Mia and Ethan turned their conflicts into opportunities for connection. Mia’s precision complemented Ethan’s creativity, and their differences became strengths. Over time, they grew closer, resolving disagreements with empathy and finding joy in their unique partnership.

Through neurodiverse-focused counseling, they transformed from adversaries to collaborators, thriving in a relationship built on understanding and love.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

From a young age, I realized the immense importance of communication, and not because I came from a household where we sat and talked about our feelings, quite the opposite, Even as a young child, I was a social scientist and curious about relationships. Why are some people heard and others are ignored? This drove me to examine communication and relationships by pursuing a degree in speech and language pathology. Heck, I even took it a step further and made communication the focus of my studies and became an expert in neurodiverse communication. I am an licensed educational psychologist, speech-language pathologist, board-certified behavior analyst, neurodiverse couples counselor, and a proud ADHDer, My goal is a I truly feel social support is a biological necessity and wants to help all neurodivergent individuals to reach holistic communication and show perfectionism is an illusion. Please reach out if you want support around your neurodivergence ( ADHD & Autism) both as an individual and a couple. In 2025, Ali is launch Embodied ADHD, a year long program that brings in principles of Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Ayurvedic medicine, sexology, and financial therapy to address the vital roadblocks that affect neurodivergent women

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In addition to my training and knowledge, I believe that my flexibility and willingness to acknowledge the need for a team have been essential to my success. While expertise and education have provided a strong foundation, it is the ability to adapt to new challenges, unexpected changes, and diverse perspectives that has allowed me to navigate complexities with confidence and grace.

Flexibility enables me to approach each situation with curiosity rather than rigidity. It allows for creative problem-solving and ensures I remain open to learning and evolving, even when faced with the unknown. This adaptability not only fosters growth but also builds resilience, which has been critical in achieving long-term success.

Equally important is the recognition that success is rarely, if ever, a solo endeavor. By embracing the strength of collaboration and the unique skills that others bring to the table, I have been able to create a supportive and dynamic network. Surrounding myself with a team of individuals who share my vision, challenge my perspectives, and complement my abilities has amplified the impact of my efforts and enriched the outcomes.

This mindset has taught me that acknowledging my limits and leaning on others is not a sign of weakness but a hallmark of wisdom. It reinforces the value of connection, trust, and shared purpose in creating meaningful, sustainable success.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I realized that while I deeply loved working one-on-one with my clients and witnessing the incredible breakthroughs they achieved, I also came to understand something vital about myself. As a natural introvert, I thrive on slow, intentional mornings and need space in my day to recharge. Maintaining the stamina for back-to-back client sessions, as much as I valued the work, began to feel unsustainable for me in the long run.

This realization became a turning point in my professional journey. It wasn’t just about adapting to my energy levels—it was about honoring my authenticity and building a career that aligned with my strengths and values. That’s when I knew my business model needed to evolve from a traditional private practice into a more entrepreneurial and connected venture.

I began to reimagine my work, shifting to include a variety of offerings that allow me to impact more lives while also creating balance in my own. Now, my business includes courses, memberships, webinars, and text support to provide flexible, accessible ways to engage with clients. I’ve incorporated couple intensives for focused, transformative experiences, partnered with others to expand my reach, and am preparing to launch a podcast to share insights with an even wider audience.

This shift has been liberating—not only for me but for the people I serve. It allows me to bring fresh energy, creativity, and innovation to my work while staying true to my needs as an introvert. I’ve discovered that this new model not only sustains me but also creates new, dynamic ways to help others grow and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.connection-squared.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alexandra-arena/