The Sunfield Center Blog

  • Considerations for Neurodivergent Youth When Navigating Grief and Loss

    By: Siba Alzohaili, MA, LLP and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    November 21, 2025

    Children and teens, unfortunately, experience grief and loss just as adults do, but their experiences are often misunderstood or misinterpreted. Read on for more information, resources, and tips to navigate supporting your children through grief.

  • Navigating Teens and Relationships

    By: Eddie Ozor, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    November 13, 2025

    Navigating relationships as a neurodivergent teen with ASD or ADHD can offer opportunities for growth and connection when approached with self-awareness and support. By focusing on healthy dynamics, boundaries, and authentic partnerships, these teens can thrive.

  • Breaking Down Barriers: Mental Health in Latino Communities

    By: Kamila Charles, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    October 31, 2025

    Stigma doesn’t just impact individuals—it affects entire families. Breaking through stigma begins with open, safe conversations at home. Read on for more tips and resources...

  • 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...

  • Misdiagnosis of ADHD and ASD: Why It Happens and How We Can Improve

    By: Xinran Ge, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    September 19, 2025

    The overlap between ADHD and ASD traits are substantial. A child who struggles to focus, talks excessively, or has meltdowns in overwhelming environments could fit criteria for either condition—or both. Read on to learn more..

  • 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..

  • 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

    Categories: Anxiety, ASD, Other

    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.

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