Blog Category: Other
Talking to Adopted Children About Adoption
By: Emerson Palazzo, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LMSW
November 6, 2026
For many adoptive parents, talking to their child about adoption can feel daunting. Parents may wonder how much information to share, when to introduce certain topics, or what is considered age-appropriate. This blog highlights several strategies that parents can use to create a safe and supportive environment where their child feels comfortable to ask questions, express emotions, and explore their story.
Disclosing Divorce to Children
By: Mae Veidlinger, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LMSW
October 27, 2026
Disclosing divorce to children can be nerve-racking and intimidating. This blog highlights what parents should consider saying, how parents should present themselves, and ways for parents to prepare themselves for potential questions from children.
Third-Wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
By: Mae Veidlinger, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
August 19, 2026
Third-Wave CBT is a great modality for promoting positive changes in clients’ lives while teaching them coping and mindfulness skills along the way. There are many more modalities within the Third-Wave CBT umbrella; however, ACT, DBT, MBCT, and FAP were selected as the focus of this blog due to their widespread use presence in many therapeutic settings.
Parental Guide: Virtual Dating Violence
By: Alessia Odell, M.Ed, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
June 25, 2026
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into young people’s lives, dating relationships are no longer limited to face-to-face interactions. Today’s teens communicate through text messages, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, location-sharing apps, and other online platforms. While these tools can help young people stay connected, they can also create opportunities for unhealthy and abusive behaviors. For parents and caregivers, understanding cyber dating violence is an important step toward helping teens build healthy, respectful relationships.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
By: Alessia Odell, M.Ed, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
March 28, 2026
Trauma can change the way young people think, feel, and navigate the world—sometimes long after the event has passed. The good news is that there are therapies specifically designed to help children and teens heal from trauma.
Special Needs Summer Camps 2026
By: Mae Veidlinger, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
February 28, 2026
Finding the right summer camp can be overwhelming, especially for parents of neurodiverse children. To help, we have provided a list of summer camp options across various Michigan counties below.
Debunking Common Stereotypes About Neurodiversity
By: Emerson Palazzo, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
February 25, 2026
In today’s world, stereotypes about various groups of people are widely accepted, including neurodivergent individuals. This blog highlights a few common stereotypes about neurodiversity and why we must steer away from them.
Safety Tips in Gaming Spaces
By: Eddie Ozor, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
February 20, 2026
Online gaming can bring a strong sense of joy, connection, and community for neurodivergent individuals. However, these spaces can also present unique vulnerabilities. Understanding these dynamics helps us guide safer, more positive experiences for children and teens.
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..
ASD & Language Development for Bilingual Children
By: Erna Chiu, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW
August 1, 2025
Raising a bilingual child with autism can come with questions and uncertainties—but research shows it can also offer unique benefits. In this blog, we explore what the latest studies say about bilingualism and ASD, and share practical tips for supporting language development at home.
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.