Individuals with autism can be effective workers and great employees. If given the chance, they can handle jobs with great skill and enthusiasm. As we've mentioned before, we are proponents of providing individuals with the necessary skill set to encourage success. By providing individualized programs, we believe that anyone can give back to their community, and furthermore, succeed in professional careers. Here are six examples of careers or industries that are especially perfect for autistic individuals.

Top 5 Myths Regarding Autism Dispelled

There are many misconceptions about autism, which are often perpetuated by a culture of misunderstanding. While society has progressed in its understanding of the condition, there are still myths that surround autism. Here are the top 5 myths about autism, which need to be dispelled once and for all:

Mental Health Issues and Treating the Symptoms

It’s not always easy for those in need of mental health services in Alabama to get a full diagnosis as quickly as they may need it, but with dedicated care and early attention, it’s possible to identify and alleviate symptoms of poor mental health even if difficult to designate the illness.

In a recent report in the February issue of Medical Care, experts researched the impact of mental health symptoms that had adverse effects on individuals in their work and social lives.  The research advocated for interventions on behalf of those who met diagnostic criteria for mental illness as well as those considered to have ‘subclinical levels of symptoms.’ 

Mental Health Symptoms

The study followed the relationship between mental health symptoms—not diagnoses—and work-related outcomes.  Charting employment status and outcomes, experts were able to highlight the effects of mental health symptoms in individuals who may or may not have been diagnosed.

A significant number of Americans were found to have poor mental health without meeting the full diagnostic criteria associated with a specific mental illness.  This disparity in diagnosis resulted in patients who did not receive the full treatment they needed.  Such studies found:

·      Those who felt significant anxiety or depression did not always qualify for the full diagnosis of each

·      Depression symptoms had a greater impact on workforce interaction than did anxiety symptoms

·      Symptoms of panic attacks and social phobia had a less significant impact on work roles

Authors of this study point out that while these patients may not meet a certain criteria for a specific diagnosis, it does not mean they can’t be considered mentally “healthy.”  Requiring such a high standard for full treatment, the study suggests, could underestimate the work and life impact that mental health issues have on these individuals.

Proposing policies that promote workplace-targeted interventions, the study referenced the immediate, personal benefits to those living un-diagnosed, as well as to employers who could see an improvement in the functioning and productivity of their workforce.  As improved mental health leads to better physical health and an overall happier life, individuals who receive treatment can contribute to a happier and healthier working environment.

Capitol Care seeks to assist the people of Alabama and surrounding areas with quality, efficient mental health services.  Bringing complete assistance and thorough care to those who need it, we know the importance of a life that is physically and mentally healthy.  Our successful approach to treatment and recovery is proven daily in the lives of participants and alumnae of Capitol Care South.

Studying 6 Connections Between Psychological Wellbeing and Physical Health

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As time goes on, more and more research reveals the deep relationship between the status of a person’s mental health and their physical wellness.  Now, major research from reviews published in the most recent issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics reaffirms the link.  

Realization of personal worth, talents and capacities is one aspect of the positive engagement that is a representation of wellbeing, as is purposeful engagement and enlightened self-knowledge.  But how are individuals meant to quantify or achieve these?

Seeking answers to such ongoing questions, various topics were targeted to explore the relationship between aspects of life and satisfaction with it.  Six themes emerged to contribute to this formulation, leading researchers to examine areas such as:

• The Progression of Age.  Part of identifying wellbeing is understanding how to read it in different individuals.  It’s important to know that wellbeing at 60 doesn’t look the same as it did at 25. Following the changes and charting the correlating development helps manage expectations in later life and encourages individuals to aim for a true sense of prosperity at any age.
• Personality.  Personalities were studied to see if similar types of people were more or less successful at achieving mental and physical health.  Looking for correlations across people who were mentally and physically well, researchers looked to pinpoint and strengthen the aspects that appeared to promote their wellbeing.
• Family Life.  A big part of any individual is his or her relationship(s) to family.  With healthy connections to family or close friends comes a contentment that translates to psychological, and in turn, physical wellbeing.
• Work and Community.  Balancing work and social life is a strategic affair, and falling short can have a greater effect on psychological wellbeing than many realize.  Success in both areas is important, as is taking a well-rounded approach to navigating the struggles that will inevitably arise.  
• Biological Health.  Just as psychological health affects physical wellness, the reverse can also be true.  Even biological risk factors can hold enough sway to contribute to both areas of health.  Connecting the corollaries, such as these studies do, will help to better trace why these links occur.
• Promoting Psychological Wellbeing.  With these research findings, experts hope to achieve greater awareness of how to seek good mental health.  Using clinical and intervention studies, they begin to explore how psychological wellbeing can be promoted for more of society.  Recognized for the important aspect of health that it is, mental wellness can in turn improve physical conditions.
  
  

Capitol Care believes in the innate right of every individual to experience a quality of life with both psychological and physical happiness.  Our programs are designed to fully support the individual needs of each person, with goals for successful transitions and integration into the community. We strive to educate Birmingham and beyond on the importance of mental health, empowering people to make informed decisions to better their own lives.