By Yrenka Lolli-Sunderlin, Behavior Analyst Founder, The Yrenka Method™ | in collaboration with Sunderlin Behavioral Interventions Understanding the Challenge Every week, caregivers leave therapy or school meetings with determination in their eyes and a notebook full of to-dos. Then life happens. The dishes pile up. Someone catches a cold. That “home strategy” handout gets buried under soccer schedules and receipts. It’s not a lack of love or effort. It’s the friction betwe

Burnout doesn’t just happen in the field. It happens because of the field. For years, I’ve watched brilliant clinicians — people who dedicate their lives to helping others change behavior — quietly run out of reinforcement. The long hours. The emotional load. The constant demand to stay composed, data-driven, and “on” — even when the reinforcement schedule is running dry. That’s why today’s announcement feels different. Because this isn’t just another tech launch. It’s a mo

We’re so excited to share some big news—our second book in the Bouncy Bear and Curious Cat series is finally here! It’s called The...

As reimbursement changes and provider closures leave families with fewer local options, caregiver education can become the continuity families rely on. Here is how.

For Spanish-speaking families raising a child with autism, finding behavioral support in their own language is often the hardest part. Here is why that gap matters, and how caregiver education in both English and Spanish can help close it.

Over the past three decades, I've had the privilege of working alongside hundreds of families navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives. One thing has remained remarkably consistent. Parents don't stop needing support when a therapy session ends. Questions come up after dinner. Challenging behaviors happen on weekends. New situations arise long before the next scheduled appointment. Caregivers are often doing their very best with limited guidance in the m

Across the country, the ABA field is entering a period of significant change. Providers, clinicians, and families are all feeling the impact of: staffing shortages increased operational pressure caregiver burnout reimbursement changes documentation scrutiny growing waitlists and continuity gaps These conversations are no longer theoretical. They are actively shaping the future of behavioral healthcare. At Sunderlin Behavioral, we believe these challenges also create an opport

There’s a shift happening. More and more caregivers are turning to tools like ChatGPT in the middle of real-life situations—during transitions, emotional moments, communication breakdowns, or simply when they’re not sure what to say next. Not because they want to rely on AI. But because in that moment… they need something. And here’s what we keep hearing: “I got an answer… but I didn’t feel confident enough to actually use it.” That’s the gap. The Problem Isn’t AI. It’s How I

The question everyone is asking AI is everywhere right now. And naturally, caregivers are starting to use it for help with things like:– behavior challenges– routines– communication– emotional regulation It makes sense. You ask a question.You get an answer. But when it comes to real-life behavior? That’s where things start to fall apart. The problem isn’t AI The problem is how it’s built. Most general AI tools are designed to give:– broad suggestions– generalized advice– lan

We recently spent time at the Idaho Prevention and Support Conference in Sun Valley , and one topic kept coming up over and over again: Devices.Social media.Screen time. Parents are worried.Schools are trying to figure it out.And most of the advice sounds the same: “Limit it.”“Take it away.”“Set boundaries.” And yes… those things matter. But there’s one part of the conversation that’s getting missed. What happens after the screen goes off? The Moment No One Prepares You For

There are about 187,000 RBTs in the U.S. Most of them will leave their job within a year (103% Turnover in 2024 on average!) Not eventually. Within a year. And you can feel it. A child finally gets comfortable with someone.They start responding.Things get a little easier at home. Then that person leaves. Now it’s a new face.New voice.New dynamic. And everything slows down again. We hear the same thing from families: “It was going so well… and now we’re backtracking.” That’s

When we first started designing social skills programs, we quickly realized how crucial it is to blend structure with warmth. Social development curricula are not just lesson plans; they are lifelines for children and teens navigating Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges. These programs help build bridges to better communication, stronger relationships, and greater independence. Today, I want to share practical insights on creating social skills programs that truly ma

It’s 5:45 PM. You’re trying to get dinner on the table, the house is a whirlwind of activity, and you can feel the tension rising. Then, it happens. A simple request— “Please put your shoes away” —triggers a full-scale meltdown. If you’ve ever found yourself sitting on the kitchen floor, wondering where it all went wrong, you aren't alone. And more importantly: You aren’t a bad parent. At Sunderlin Behavioral, we work with families across Oregon, Washington, California, and I

If you’re an RBT or ABA professional in 2026… first of all: we see you. The field is changing fast. Expectations are higher. Families are more informed (and rightfully so). Assent-based care is becoming the standard. Ethics conversations are louder. Supervision looks different. Sessions look different. And for a lot of technicians, the job feels like you’re constantly trying to do the “right thing” while also trying not to emotionally collapse by Wednesday. And honestly? That

Navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood can be a complex journey, especially for those with Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges. This phase is full of opportunities and hurdles alike. I want to share how targeted support can make a real difference. With the right resources, young adults can build confidence, independence, and a fulfilling life. Understanding the Unique Needs of Young Adults Every young adult has a unique set of strengths and challenges.

Hay momentos en este trabajo que se quedan con nosotros. Una mamá diciendo con lágrimas en los ojos: “Ya no sé qué hacer.”“Estamos en una lista de espera.”“Nos están recortando servicios.”“Solo necesito ayuda… ahora.” Y lo más difícil es darse cuenta de que las familias no están pidiendo algo complicado. Están pidiendo apoyo. Están pidiendo claridad. Están pidiendo algo accesible… en medio de un sistema que muchas veces se siente abrumador. Durante este último año, hemos escu

At Sunderlin Behavioral, ethical practice has never been optional, it is foundational to who we are. As the field of behavior analysis continues to grow and refine its standards, we believe it is our responsibility not only to meet those expectations, but to lead with intention, reflection, and transparency . One area of increasing focus across the field is assent-based care . While respect for client dignity and autonomy has long guided ethical practice, recent updates to th

When you run a service that supports children, teens, and families navigating Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges, clear communication is everything. One of the most important pieces of that communication puzzle is your session cancellation policy. It sets expectations, protects your time, and helps maintain a smooth schedule for everyone involved. Today, I want to share how I craft an effective session cancellation policy that respects both the families I serve and

Navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood can be a complex journey, especially for those with Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial the right support is during this phase. Young adults face new responsibilities, social dynamics, and personal growth opportunities. With the right guidance, they can thrive and build a fulfilling life. In this post, I’ll share practical insights and strategies to help young adults grow confident

We’re celebrating something BIG and we couldn’t be more proud. This year, Sunderlin Behavioral Interventions received a 100% score on our 2025 Kaiser Permanente KPNW ABA Quality Assurance Evaluation . And even more exciting… this marks our fifth consecutive year earning a perfect score. Yes... five years in a row . 🎉 To our team, this isn’t just a number. It’s a reflection of the care, integrity, and commitment that shows up in the everyday moments the way we support our c