Blog Category: Anxiety
Understanding Sensory Differences (Part I)
By: Alessia Odell, M.Ed., MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
October 17, 2025
Everyone experiences the world in their own unique way, shaped by eight senses. By taking the time to understand how children (and adults) perceive and respond to sensory experiences, we can begin to uncover the underlying causes of emotions and behaviors that might otherwise seem puzzling or disruptive.
Strategies for Maintaining School Habits
By: Erna Chiu, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
October 3, 2025
The start of a new school year often comes with many new responsibilities, but you can help your child develop good habits that can support them academically, organizationally, and socially—not just now, but for the future. Read on for tips and resources...
How to Help Children Cope with a Move
By: Shelby Brennan, M.A., TLLP & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
August 29, 2025
Making a move, whether big or small, can be challenging for children. Although not an extensive list, this blog offers tips for parents and clinicians to support children before, during, and after the move to ease the transition.
Helping Adoptive Families Thrive: A Clinician’s Perspective
By: Xinran Ge, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
August 15, 2025
Supporting adoptive families requires a trauma-informed, developmentally attuned, and culturally humble approach. By guiding open communication and honoring each child’s unique story, clinicians can help adopted children not just heal—but thrive. Read on for more information..
The Importance of Building Rapport with Autistic Clients
By: Zachary Burton, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
July 18, 2025
Discover how evolving clinical perspectives are reshaping the way we build rapport with autistic clients—emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and collaboration over outdated, deficit-focused models. This blog offers insight and practical inspiration for clinicians seeking to create stronger, more person-centered connections across the neurodiverse spectrum.
Medications Commonly Prescribed for Mental Health
By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
June 27, 2025
While medications aren't a one-size-fits-all solution—and Sunfield Center clinicians don’t prescribe them directly—we play a vital role in helping families make informed decisions. This post explores common medications used to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and related behavioral challenges, highlighting how they work, who they’re for, and what to consider when exploring treatment options.
Planning Out the Summer for Your Child
By: Xinran Ge, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
June 13, 2025
Without the structure of school, it's easier for the days to blur together and for children and caregivers to experience uncertainty due to the loss of routine school provides. However, with some planning, summer can be a time of growth, fun, and connection. This blog will highlight several strategies for planning a summer that works for you and your child.
The Importance of Empowering Parents and Guardians
By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
May 6, 2025
Empowering parents and guardians is beneficial for creating and sustaining confidence in their skills, which in turn creates better parent-child relationships and aids in their child’s progression in different forms of therapy. Read on for tips and community resources..
How to Help Children and Youth Navigate the Political Climate and Current World Conflicts
By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
April 25, 2025
One of the biggest questions caregivers and parents face today is: How much news is healthy to share with children? In a world where information spreads instantly, this question feels more relevant than ever. In this post, we explore research on what's developmentally appropriate to share—and offer a simple, practical template to help guide adults through these challenging conversations.
Sensory-Friendly Accommodations for Sporting Events
By: Emily Doane, MSW Intern & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
March 24, 2025
Attending a live event can be an exciting experience for kids. However, for neurodivergent kids, it can also present unique challenges. This blog highlights various things that families can do to adjust and prepare neurodivergent individuals with sensory sensitivities during their visit at live events.
Spring Break Safety Tips: How to Talk to your Kids about Safety
By: Xinran Ge, MSW Intern and Juno Elsa Ottathengil, LLMSW
February 21, 2025
Spring break is an exciting time for families. However, it's also a time when parents may feel more concerned about their kids’ safety as they venture out on vacations or spend time with friends. Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, here’s a guide to help ensure that their spring break is fun—and, most importantly, safe.
Special Needs Summer Camps 2025
By: Emily Doane, MSW Intern & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
February 14, 2025
Summertime is right around the corner, which also means that summer camps will be back in session! Enrolling your child in a summer camp might be of interest to you, but it can also be a lot of work to research and determine which program is best for your child. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of camps for you.