
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
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.