Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) Program for Autism
RDI® is a parent based intervention program founded on over 20 years of research by Dr. Steven E. Gutstein, Ph.D. of the Connections Center in Houston, Texas. It is a developmental, systematic approach in which parents are provided the tools to effectively remediate the core deficits of autism and thereby improve the long term quality of life for the individual with ASD.
RDI® goes beyond teaching language skills and focuses first on the development of effective communication skills. Once the foundation of communication is established language that is REAL, meaningful, and serves the purpose of sharing thoughts and feelings with others often follows.
RDI® is a thinking skills program. Being able to think flexibly and understand others' perspectives are critical to being able to effectively function in social situations.
RDI® uses a cognitive model that follows the natural process of typical development. Although foundational skills are important and are covered within the RDI program, RDI® goes beyond the teaching of these skills to actually changing the way one's brain thinks.
Most importantly the RDI® method is taught to the parents by the consultant so that the parents are the ones who are instrumental in bringing about the positive changes in their child's life. By implementing the RDI® program into their everyday lifestyles, parents learn how to restore the parent/child relationship which is so often impaired by autism. Once this relationship is in place, parents can then guide their child using clear and specific objectives that are developmentally appropriate for their son or daughter. As these objectives are mastered, the core deficits caused by autism become less of an obstacle to that individual's quality of life.
The RDI® program is set up in such a way that families can work with consultants who do not live in their immediate area. You will need access to high speed internet and a video camera to do so. If you do not have one you can rent one from me.
