
Contrary to popular belief, RDI®
is not a social skills program. It is a cognitive-developmental program that is based on the most recent research in
both autism and typical child development. RDI®
is designed to address the unique deficits present in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Individuals with ASD
have deficits in the area of dynamic intelligence; using and reading non-verbal communication, sharing experiences, collaborating
with others, problem solving and borrowing other's perspectives. RDI® is different from other therapies as it does not compensate for the deficits of ASD
and work around them. RDI®
seeks to remediate
these deficits and offers individuals with ASD a better quality of life. RDI® has shown to be a successful intervention for all
age ranges and across all severities of autism.
The RDI® program for autism is an extended version of the Guided Participation Program in combination
with the Dynamic Education Program. The neurological deficits present in children with autism are the most detrimental
to the Guided Participation Relationship and individuals with autism universally lack dynamic intelligence. Restoration
of the Guided Participation Relationship is critical prior to working on the child's dynamic intelligence. The parent
child relationship is primary in teaching children how to communicate, regulate emotions and solve real world problems.
Typically developing children develop these skills early in life in a very natural way from their parents. RDI®
teaches parents how to slow down and revisit these missed milestones in dynamic intelligence through their reciprocal relationship
with their child.
The
RDI® program is broken down to systematic, flexible and workable steps that are easy to
follow and provide a flexibility that most other therapies cannot. An
RDI® program is a unique approach to treating autism in that it treats not only the person with the disability but recognizes
that the entire family is profoundly affected by the disorder. We will help you look at the needs of all of your family
members and put into place a plan to normalize family life. An RDI® approach values the parent as the most important
and influential person in your child's life. You will look at your family's schedule and prioritize the weekly activities
that you and your child are engaged in. We will help you to understand that "more" is not always "more."
We will identify, together opportunities for quality time to spend with your child with autism as well as your other children,
yourself and your spouse, improving your entire family's quality of life. While we will design and assist you in implementing your
family's individualized plan, RDI®
is a parent based
program so the majority of the work takes place between you and your child. This is because we believe all children,
including children with ASD learn best from the most important person(s) in their life, their parents.
You will become proficient at implementing RDI® throughout your day and it will become a lifestyle.
There is not a specific amount of time you need to spend with your child "doing RDI®." Your child will begin to make
gains in dynamic intelligence as you begin to change the way you communicate, alter the way you are interacting and incorporating
your child into activities that are already taking place in your home.
Introduction to RDI® Group Sessions
Some parents are very interested in pursuing an RDI® Program
but for various reasons, may not want or be able to make the long term commitment. The group sessions are designed to
allow parents to "get their feet wet" at a discounted rate prior to signing up for a full program. The group
will cover the first of the five parent stages, the education stage. Meetings occur once a week for six weeks and are
for parents only. Although not required, it is very strongly recommended that both parents attend whenever applicable.
Parents
are grouped together based on their availablity and every attempt will be made to accomodate parents' schedules. Parents
can expect to learn about the most recent research on autism, neurology and child development; how to improve interaction
and communication with their children; how to stop overcompensating for their children and provide opportunities for cognitive
growth; and how to begin pursuing a better quality of life for their entire family.
Next: Individual Therapy