The Sunfield Center Blog

  • 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are reshaping the way we build rapport with autistic clients—emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and collaboration over outdated, deficit-focused models.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.

  • Educational Apps for Neurodivergent Kids

    By: Erna Chiu, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    May 30, 2025

    In today’s digital world, learning and practicing skills can be as simple as using an app on your phone or tablet. Here are some of the latest educational apps that can help neurodivergent kids practice various skills while also having fun. Focusing on three broad categories: daily schedules and habits, emotion recognition and regulation, and social skills and social-emotional learning.

  • Tips For Interacting With Law Enforcement

    By: Shelby Brennan, M.A., TLLP & Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    May 23, 2025

    Interacting with law enforcement can be stressful, especially for neurodiverse individuals whose behaviors may be misunderstood. To help you prepare, we've compiled a list of resources, social interaction tips, and emergency planning considerations designed to support you in navigating potential encounters with law enforcement.

  • When Should You Get Your Kid a Cell Phone?

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

    May 19, 2025

    Categories: Other, Parenting

    Recent studies indicate that most children in the United States receive their first cell phone around the age of 11 or 12. However, researchers emphasize that there isn't a universal "right" age. Instead, they recommend that parents consider a child's maturity, responsibility level, and specific needs. Read on for considerations..

  • The Importance of Empowering Parents and Guardians

    By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    May 6, 2025

    Empowering parents and guardians is beneficial for creating and sustaining confidence in their skills, which in turn creates better parent-child relationships and aids in their child’s progression in different forms of therapy. Read on for tips and community resources..

  • How to Help Children and Youth Navigate the Political Climate and Current World Conflicts

    By: Hanah Allen, MSW Intern and Juno Ottathengil, LLMSW

    April 25, 2025

    Categories: Anxiety, Other, Parenting

    One of the biggest questions caregivers and parents face today is: How much news is healthy to share with children? In a world where information spreads instantly, this question feels more relevant than ever. In this post, we explore research on what's developmentally appropriate to share—and offer a simple, practical template to help guide adults through these challenging conversations.

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