Blog Category: Other
Special Needs Summer Camps 2024
By: Shreeja Vachhani, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
March 8, 2024
We've curated a comprehensive guide to special needs summer camps across Michigan. From enriching activities to fostering social connections, these camps offer a wealth of opportunities for growth and enjoyment.
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.
Evidence-Based Practices in the ASD Community
By: Jessica Tschida, M.A., TLLP & Janelle Schenk, LMSW
February 2, 2024
Read on to learn more about what evidenced-based practices mean and why it's important for treating children, adults and everyone in-between with autism.
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.
Ways to De-Stress for Individuals with Autism
By: Christine Charpie, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
December 22, 2023
This blog aims to share helpful, evidence-based strategies for managing stress that are inclusive of and relevant to the real-world experiences of people on the autism spectrum.
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.
Embracing a Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Halloween: Tips for All Families
By: Yexenia Vanegas, MSW Intern and Janelle Schenk, LMSW
October 20, 2023
We explore navigating Halloween to make an enjoyable, inclusive affair. With adequate preparation, a little creativity, and an inclusive spirit, families can ensure a successful Halloween for all children, including those with special needs.