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What is Relationship Developmental Intervention (RDI)?
RDI is a program developed to address the social deficits present in
many individuals on the autism spectrum. The program was developed by
Dr. Steve Gutstein and is based upon extensive research of both autism
and typical relationship development. The underlying philosophy
inherent in the program is that individuals on the autism spectrum are
capable of being part of true friendships and emotional relationships
if they are provided with the means to learn the necessary skills and
taught them in a gradual and systemic way. Unlike traditional social
skills programs, RDI does not teach children rules and scripts for
social interactions. Rather, RDI teaches children the motivation behind
why one would want to be in relationships with other people and uses
these motivations as a catalyst to build skills and address deficits
that are at the core of autism. These deficits include, but are not
limited to: rigid thinking, aversion to change, inability to take the
perspective of other people, failure to empathize, and extreme
adherence to rules.
Core Relationship Deficits
While
all individuals with autism present a different set of abilities and
deficits, there are a number of areas that are universally deficient in
individuals on the autism spectrum. These areas include:
- Emotional Referencing: the ability to use an emotional feedback system to learn from subjective experiences of others.
- Social Coordination: The ability to observe and continually regulate one's behavior in order to participate in spontaneous relationships involving collaboration and exchange of emotions.
- Declarative Language: Using language and non-verbal communication to express curiosity, invite others to interact, share perceptions and feelings and coordinate your actions with others.
- Flexible Thinking: The ability to rapidly adapt, change strategies and alter plans based upon changing circumstances.
- Relational Information Processing: The ability to obtain meaning based upon the larger context, as well as the ability to solve problems that have no "right and wrong" solutions.
- Foresight and Hindsight: The ability to reflect on past experiences and anticipate potential future scenarios in a productive manner.
TLC's RDI program is designed to specifically address these areas
through a series of systematic stages and levels. As individuals
progress through the program they are able to learn these essential
skills and become proficient at participating in relationships.
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Components of TLC's RDI Program
- RDI is a parent based clinical treatment program in which the parents are provided with the tools to effectively teach Relationship Intelligence skills and motivation to their child.
- RDI emphasizes the joy in connecting with others and provides a path for people on the autism spectrum to learn how to develop friendships, empathy, and how to share their world and experiences with others.
- RDI is about changing neurology and is a way for people on the spectrum to become flexible thinkers and creative problem solvers who enjoy the challenges of change and who desire to expand their world.
- The program is based on over 20 years of research by the world's experts on typical development as well as scientific studies on people with autism.
- The program is developmental and systematic and focuses first on building the motivations so that skills will be used and generalized.
- RDI is a program that is realistic. It can be easily started and implemented seamlessly into daily routines and activities that the whole family can participate in.
- The program is precise and measures each child's current levels of Relationship Intelligence. Once children meet the criteria for each stage, new functions are selected and targeted to build the child's Relationship Intelligence.
- RDI is effective. Initial studies have found that within 18 months, over 70% of children improved their diagnosis based on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Additionally the majority of children also moved into less restrictive classroom placements.
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RDI Treatment
The
RDI treatment intervention is guided by a TLC clinician who is
Certified Consultant or is currently receiving supervision through the
Connections Center in order to become a Certified Consultant. The
treatment begins with the Relationship Development Assessment (RDA)
which assesses the child's abilities and level of motivation. The RDA
also allows the clinicians to identify appropriate level to begin the
child's RDI program. Once the RDA is completed, families receive
training on effective ways to coach the child, specific objectives to
work on as well as feedback on how to structure the home environment in
order to maximize learning. Ongoing video review, hands on training and
program updates and revision are also an essential component of TLC's
evolving RDI program.
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How to get started
Download and complete the Intake and Supplemental Evaluation
form and also enclosed a 30 minute videotape of you and your child
interacting and playing. This will give our clinicians an opportunity
to view your child and begin to make the necessary preparations for the
RDA1. A Clinician from our intake department will then contact you to
schedule a time to have any remaining questions answered. The clinician
will then schedule a date to begin the RDA.
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Copyright 2004,
Gutstein, Sheely & Associates, P.C.
d/b/a The Connections Center.
All rights reserved.
www.rdiconnect.com
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