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...

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

Why Stress Management Techniques Matter Stress is a natural response to change or difficulty. But when stress builds up, it can affect behavior, mood, and overall well-being. For those with developmental challenges, stress might show up as frustration, withdrawal, or even physical symptoms. That’s why learning stress management techniques is so important. These techniques help you: Recognize stress signals early Respond calmly instead of reacting impulsively Build resilience

Navigating the world of teen group interactions can feel like stepping into a new universe. It’s full of excitement, challenges, and opportunities to grow. I’ve seen firsthand how being part of a group shapes young minds and hearts. When teens connect with peers, they learn more than just social skills - they build confidence, empathy, and resilience. Let’s dive into why these connections matter and how they can be nurtured. Why Teen Group Interactions Matter Teen years are a

Building meaningful connections is at the heart of every thriving community. When it comes to children, teens, and families navigating Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges, developing social skills is not just helpful - it’s essential. I want to share practical insights and social interaction strategies that can make a real difference. These approaches empower individuals to communicate, connect, and flourish in their daily lives. Why Social Interaction Strategies Mat

When families first hear the term BCBA-led learning center , they often wonder what sets it apart from traditional tutoring, therapy, or private school models. The difference is simple and powerful. A BCBA-led environment blends behavior science , developmental best practices , and relationship-centered teaching  to create a learning space where every child can truly thrive. Instead of trying to fit a child into a program, the program is shaped around the child . Here’s how t

Life throws challenges at us every day. For children, teens, and families navigating Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges, these hurdles can feel even bigger. But here’s the good news: practical skills training can make a real difference. It equips you with tools to handle everyday tasks confidently and independently. I’m excited to share how this approach can transform daily life, making it smoother and more manageable. Why Practical Skills Training Matters Practical

Boise, Idaho — 11/11/2025  — Sunderlin Behavioral, an Idaho provider of autism services, is calling on the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW) to issue written clarification on how children covered by Medicaid will continue to access clinically supervised, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) following a December 1, 2025 transition announced by Magellan Behavioral Health. On October 31, 2025 , Magellan notified providers that Behavior Modification & Consulta