Our Blog: Upward Alabama

Understanding Perimenopause, ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD: A Comprehensive Guide for Therapy

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

Posted: May 16, 2025

For women experiencing the challenges of perimenopause alongside ADHD and autism, seeking treatment from providers who specialize in neurodivergent conditions is essential. Evidence-based practices and neurodiversity-affirming approaches ensure that therapy is tailored to the unique experiences of neurodivergent women. These approaches recognize and celebrate neurodiversity, providing an empowering framework for treatment.

The Announcement and Recall of a Nationwide Autism Registry: Safeguarding Your Privacy and Rights in a Time of Uncertainty

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

Autism & ADHD Evaluation

Autism

Posted: April 25, 2025

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, recent announcements from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding a proposed nationwide registry for individuals diagnosed with autism have ignited conversations across communities. If you or your child have been diagnosed with autism, or if you are considering an autism evaluation, you likely have some concerns about what a national registry might mean for you. The announcement of such a registry, even if later retracted, can understandably leave people feeling concerned that the matter is not settled and that more changes could be coming. Let’s explore the implications of this registry, the anxieties it may provoke, and the importance of seeking evaluations for autism.

Understanding Sleep Deprivation: Conditions, Prevalence, and Treatment

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

Sleep Insomnia Nightmares Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

Posted: March 11, 2025

Despite his best intentions to get a good night's rest, "Charlie" frequently ends up sacrificing sleep, convinced that one more episode on his favorite streaming service or another scroll through social media won't hurt. The fatigue begins to creep in, manifesting as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an overwhelming sense of heaviness during the day. Yet, Charlie brushes off these symptoms, attributing them to the hustle of life and the need to balance work and family. Little does he know that this cycle of sleep deprivation could lead to more serious health issues over time.

What is Executive Functioning Coaching for ADHD?

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

ADHD

Posted: January 14, 2025

The gold-standard therapy approach for clients who want to learn to manage their ADHD symptoms is Executive Functioning Coaching. Sometimes people think that this term means that only individuals who are professionals in executive-level jobs are appropriate for this therapy. That is a common misunderstanding. Executive Functioning in this instance actually refers to the specific parts of the brain and the tasks associated with them that the therapy addresses. ADHD generally involves abilities that are grouped together under the title Executive Functioning, which is a fancy way of referring to the following types of tasks: sustaining attention and avoiding distraction, committing day-to-day information to memory and being able to recall it later, organizing and following through with assignments and projects, regulating intense emotions, and fitting in socially with peers and colleagues.