By Yrenka Lolli-Sunderlin, Behavior Analyst Founder, The Yrenka Method™ | in collaboration with Sunderlin Behavioral Interventions The Gap That Keeps Caregivers Up at Night Every week, caregivers walk out of 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

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...

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

At Sunderlin Behavioral , we believe that every child deserves a learning environment designed around their unique strengths, needs, and potential. That’s why we are proud to announce the launch of Sunderlin’s Learning Center  — a year-round, developmental and behavioral enrichment program for children ages 2–6 . 💡 What Makes Our Program Different Sunderlin’s Learning Center bridges the gap between early education and behavioral support. Our approach blends developmental tea

Supporting Families, Schools, and Communities with Compassion, Innovation, and Excellence As Sunderlin continues to grow and evolve, we are proud to announce the expansion of our behavioral and developmental services  across Washington and Oregon  — including the opening of our Vancouver, WA Learning & Behavioral Center  and expanded in-home, school, and caregiver programs  in the Portland Metro area . For over a decade, Sunderlin has provided compassionate, evidence-based su

The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has always been built on human connection, relationships with our clients, collaboration among professionals, and a shared mission to change lives through evidence-based practice. But lately, another kind of “behavior” has been spreading quietly across our professional landscape: poaching. Recently, one of our team members approached me with something that stopped me in my tracks. They had received a direct message on LinkedIn from

Building self-reliance is a journey. It’s about empowering children and teens to take charge of their lives, make decisions, and solve problems confidently. This process is especially important for those navigating Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges. When we focus on fostering independence strategies, we open doors to growth, confidence, and a brighter future. Self-reliance doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, guidance, and the right tools. I’ve seen firs

A Quiet Revolution in ABA Billing If you were working in applied behavior analysis during the 2019 CPT code transition, you remember the confusion. Claims were delayed, billing systems failed, and clinical operations slowed down overnight. Now, another major change is coming. And this time, most of the field doesn’t even know it yet. In September 2025, the American Medical Association’s CPT Editorial Panel approved a full revision to the adaptive behavior services code set. S

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Healthcare is evolving fast. As someone deeply involved in supporting children, teens, and families navigating Autism Spectrum and...

When it comes to supporting children and teens with Autism Spectrum and developmental challenges, understanding behavior is key. I’ve...

At Sunderlin Behavioral Services, we believe in the power of shared stories to bring hope, understanding, and connection. In this special...

As my time at Sunderlin Behavioral Interventions comes to a close, I’m grateful for a semester full of unforgettable experiences,...

I applied for the WorkU Program in the Spring of 2025 as a junior at Boise State University, eager to gain hands-on experience in the...

In my last post, I brought up a troubling trend in our field: BCBAs employed by insurance companies denying medically necessary ABA...