Our Blog: Upward Alabama

Understanding and Supporting Autistic Children: The Hidden Struggles of Masking

By Kathleen Ramsey, Ph.D.

Posted: April 6, 2025

"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.

Stronger Together: Navigating Infertility and Enhancing Relationships Through Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) in Alabama and Missouri

By Megan Keyes, Ph.D.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy EFCT Couple Therapy

Posted: March 22, 2025

Navigating infertility and fertility treatment can be an emotional roller coaster due to the intense and often conflicting feelings involved throughout the process. Many couples begin with high hopes and excitement, often expecting to conceive quickly, but as months pass without success, feelings of disappointment and grief can begin to emerge. Each new treatment cycle brings renewed hope, but unsuccessful attempts can lead to doubt and despair, causing a repetitive cycle of emotional highs and lows. This process embodies a great deal of ongoing stress and uncertainty, significantly affecting couples and the quality of their relationship.

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.

Thriving at School, at Work, and on Standardized Tests with a Disability: Reasonable Accommodations and Your Rights

By Misti Norton, Ph.D.

Reasonable Accommodation Evaluations

Posted: March 10, 2025

"Reasonable accommodations" refer to modifications that allow individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. This can involve changes to the school or work environment, how tasks are completed, or how the hiring process is conducted. Individuals with conditions such as ADHD, Autism, OCD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Sleep Disorders may require these accommodations to fully participate in school, the workforce, or important standardized tests (such as the ACT or the bar exam).