RDI® has often been described as “The Missing Link” of Autism Intervention. RDI® is about treating and remediating the core deficits of autism itself. RDI® works because it teaches your child to become engaged and connected to the real world. There is no rote learning going on, but rather engaged participation from your child in real life situations. RDI® provides you and your child the opportunity to re-establish the core parent/child relationship that was taken off course by autism. This foundation will be the beginning for children to develop the types of skills that children with autism really need. The skills needed to function competently in a social, dynamic world.
RDI® is a carefully sequenced parent coaching model that places emphasis on training parents how to create success in simplified social situations. RDI® is not “administered” to the child; instead a systematic plan is developed where the parent works in a lab session twice a month with coaching and modeling from the consultant. Parents return home and record video as they work with their child using the techniques and objectives provided and modeled by the consultant. Tapes are forwarded to the consultant prior to their next appointment and the consultant spends time viewing them and preparing written feedback and coaching notes for the family. Notes are reviewed at the next lab session, and used as basis for work with the child at that session. A total of two lab sessions are scheduled each month and two tape viewing sessions, sometimes meeting more frequently at the beginning of consultation.
RDI® is a hands-on training with the parent, the goal being that the parent will be skilled and empowered to work with their own child. This approach assures that parents are empowered and their positions are not replaced by the professional. The philosophy of RDI® is that the intervention should empower parents and allow the child to “use his mind” to solve social problems.
The child’s first teacher is his parent, not his teacher or therapist. A double edged sword situation occurs when parents feel incompetent when a child performs in the therapeutic setting but not at home. The questions arise, “Why can’t I get him/her to do that?” Additionally, if the child is successful in the therapeutic situation the parent feels a different incompetence. “Why can’t I parent this child better?” In these scenarios the parent is likely to feel incompetent. If a child does not have the foundation of sharing emotion and enjoyment with their parents or viewing their parents as a source of learning and comfort, it will be very difficult for the child to build other social relationships.
RDI® seeks to support the whole family.
For more information on RDI® please visit the Connections Center website at www.rdiconnect.com
Steps in the Process
1. The first step in the RDI® Program is to schedule two initial 1 hour consultations. The purpose of these two meetings is to talk specifically about RDI® and how it might benefit your family. In these meetings we will talk about Autism Spectrum Disorder and go into some detail about the core areas of deficits of autism. Since RDI® is a remediation program (RDI® attempts to remedy the core deficits of autism), it is critical that parents are familiar and comfortable with the concept of a remediation treatment program. During these meetings, we will also talk about the “Parent Objectives” piece of RDI® as well as “Child Objectives.” These meetings will also provide an opportunity for you to ask me any questions you might have regarding RDI®. Additionally, you will be introduced to the RDIos and begin completing the learning series related to parent education objectives.
2. After your two initial visits, the next step in the RDI® program is to complete the parent questionnaires and do a 20 minute home video (I will provide you with the details about this.)
3. We will continue to move forward with the Parent Education and Readiness Objectives.
4. Relationship Development Assessment®. The next step is to complete a Relationship Development Assessment® (RDA®). The RDA® is an important step in determining the current level and customizing the RDI® program to fit your child. The RDA® is an involved assessment that includes you and your child. It takes approximately 12-14 hours across many days to complete the 6 modules.
5. Once the RDA® is completed, consultation session will continue to be provided in 60 minute weekly or bi-weekly intervals with communication and feedback via the RDIos between sessions.
6. Video Tape Reviews. Feedback and consultation through video tape review is a critical piece of the RDI® program.
Special Note: Because I want your child and your family to be successful with your RDI® program, you should plan on a minimum of six months of intervention. This education and coaching consultation model takes time to allow you to learn the skills and strategies you need to connect more meaningfully with your child. This type of intervention will only be beneficial if you allow yourself the necessary time it takes for you to feel competent. Most families, once familiar with RDI®, see it as a lifestyle change they can use for long-term change.
