In my talks with nursing and healthcare groups, I emphasize the importance of recognizing both personal and professional trauma exposures. Addressing these experiences is crucial to maintaining mental and physical health, as well as achieving career success. It’s essential for healthcare providers to seek support for themselves and their peers, especially in leadership roles.
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.
PDA is characterized by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, which can include both direct requests from parents and indirect demands such as responding to bodily cues like hunger or thirst. Interestingly, children with PDA may resist activities they usually enjoy, including social interactions and hobbies. This behavior is not merely about being defiant; it reflects an overwhelming need for autonomy and control.
"Masking" involves a person suppressing or covering up their autistic traits. This is sometimes also referred to as “social camouflaging” in research. Masking may be especially common among women and girls on the autism spectrum, especially those with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Many autistic people do this in an effort to “pass” as “normal” or blend in with their neurotypical peers and be more accepted in society.