Blog Category: Anxiety
Amusement Park Accommodations for Autism
By: Jessica Tschida, M.A., TLLP & Janelle Schenk, LLMSW
April 19, 2024
There are several helpful supports that can mitigate the challenges that come with visiting amusement parks. Some parks, like Sesame Place, make free social story videos to watch on YouTube (with neurodivergent individuals in mind). There are more parks that also provide helpful resources....
Navigating Therapy: An Analysis of Teletherapy vs. In-Person Therapy
By: Yexenia Vanegas, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
March 22, 2024
In this blog, we explore Teletherapy and In-Person therapy. As we navigate the complexities of therapy, it is evident that the choice between the two modalities should be driven by a nuanced understanding of individual needs, preferences, and the nature of the therapeutic alliance.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Autism Spectrum Disorder
By: Christine Charpie, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, MSW
February 23, 2024
Learn more about the similarities and differences between OCD and Autism, as well at treatment options for those who experience challenges related to both diagnoses.
Sleep Disturbances in Autism Spectrum Disorders
By: Yexenia Vanegas, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
January 19, 2024
Recent studies confirm that sleep difficulties in the autistic population have prevalence rates ranging from 60% to 86%. This blog explores the most common sleep difficulties in individuals with ASD, their underlying causes, and effective interventions to improve sleep quality.
Talking to Kids about Death
By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
January 12, 2024
We discuss how parents and clinicians can talk to kids about the loss of a loved one in an age-appropriate manner, as well as a few clinical interventions used to help kids cope with grief and a list of online grief support resources that may be helpful for kids and their families.
Going to the Dentist
By: Nicole Gegas, TLLP, & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
December 15, 2023
Going to the dentist can be stressful and scary for any child or parent. This blog gives tips, resources and recommendations for children with special needs.
Puberty in Neurodivergent Preteens
By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
December 8, 2023
This blog will expand on the starting age of puberty, the different types of changes and challenges neurodivergent preteens may experience, ways to support neurodivergent preteens during puberty, and a few neurodivergent-friendly readings on navigating various aspects of puberty.
Adjustment to Life Changes
By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
November 30, 2023
This blog will further expand on the types of adjustments that children may experience at some point, typical behaviors and other expectations during adjustment periods, the distinction between adjustment disorders and depression and anxiety, and ways that children can cope with life changes.
Trauma, Poverty, and ASD
By: Yadira Estrada, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
November 10, 2023
Due to the complexities of Autism, there is often an underdiagnosis and undertreatment of trauma and symptoms of adverse events among individuals with ASD. This blog post will outline information collected by authors, Ella Lobregt-van Buuren, Marjolijn Hoekert, and Bram Sizoo.
Social Skills Interventions
By: Juno Elsa Ottathengil, MSW Practicum Student & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
November 3, 2023
This blog will further expand on the purpose and benefits of social skills interventions, the types of social skills interventions utilized at Sunfield Center, and the effectiveness of those social skills interventions.
Child-Centered Play Therapy
By: Lio Riley, B.A.
September 29, 2023
Play therapy is a broad field with many different interventions designed to address a broad range of concerns and experiences. This blog provides information about Child-Centered Play Therapy, a kind of play therapy that allows the child to take charge of their own therapeutic process with the specialized support and facilitation of a CCPT therapist.
Managing Behavior at Home: An Update to Naguib and Kurtz (2004)
By: Andi Stephens, MS, MA, BCBA/LBA, TLLP
September 22, 2023
Caregiver-child relationships are unique, complex, and intense in nature. Difficulties can arise when the caregiver is unsure how to handle the child’s challenging behaviors. This blog post will cover common challenging behavioral concerns experienced by children, tips to manage behaviors at home, and when to seek professional help.