What is RDI®?
Relationship Development Intervention® is a parent-based program that is individually tailored for each child, to systematically remediate the deficits associated with autism spectrum disorders. RDI® is a model formulated from over 20 years of developmental research, and strives to promote a healthy, enjoyable family lifestyle in which the child can build competence under the support and encouragement of the parent's thoughtful direction. Rather than sending a child to a therapist for an hour per week, or perhaps many hours per week, to work on remediation goals, the parents are trained to make changes in the way they communicate and interact, in order to meet objectives within the context of daily living.
"The grief, anxiety, and fear parents feel can be huge when they realize their family life has forever been touched by this disorder. I appreciated Carrie for her expertise, her thoroughness, her kindness." - (KB, physician, Canada)
How can I learn more about RDI®?
Read about RDI® here, and visit the Connections Center's website at www.rdiconnect.com. In addition, you may find useful Dr. Steven Gutstein's book, Autism/Asperger's: Solving the Relationship Puzzle, and DVD, Going to the Heart of Autism: the Relationship Development Intervention Program®.
What age group can benefit from RDI®?
RDI® is appropriate for all ages, including adults.
What developmental levels are appropriate for RDI®?
Individuals affected by any degree of autism can benefit from RDI®, regardless of IQ, diagnosis, language development.
What about children who are non verbal?
Yes, in fact RDI® can sometimes be easier to implement with a child who is non verbal than with a child who talks too much!
What about diagnoses other than autism?
RDI® can be an effective treatment program for many other neurological diagnoses that impact development.
Is there any research that shows RDI® to be an effective intervention?
Yes, please visit: www.rdiconnect.com for the latest published research on RDI.
How much time will I need to devote to practicing RDI at home?
This will be determined on an individual basis by your RDI® Program Consultant; however, you can expect to be asked to devote 4-6 hours per week exclusively to RDI related activities. It is important to realize that what you are learning is a set of skills that you will be applying in all your interactions with your child. You will be shown tools for communicating effectively, promoting cognitive growth, and reaching other important goals. As you become familiar with these tools, you will find yourself using them throughout your day, not just during your "RDI time."
 What is involved in being trained as a parent to do RDI® with my child?
First, you must have a basic understanding of the RDI® Program. This may be accomplished by attending a parent training or viewing Dr. Gutstein's training DVD. Next, it is important that you, as a parent, have made the preparations necessary to promote success in your RDI® home program, by meeting parent readiness objectives. These will be discussed between you and your consultant. Then, you and your child may be ready to begin the assessment process, which will result in an RDI® home program specifically designed to meet your child's needs. This will be followed by ongoing support by your consultant.
How do I get started with an RDI® program for my child?
Have you attended a parent training or viewed Dr. Gutstein's DVD: Going to the Heart of Autism: the Relationship Development Intervention Program®? If not, this is required prior to being accepted as a client of an RDI® Program Consultant. Contact the Connections Center website for information on trainings offered, or to order Dr. Gutstein's DVD: www.rdiconnect.com
Do I need to use an RDI® consultant?
For optimal results, your RDI® home program must be specifically designed to address your child's developmental level and any obstacles to effective treatment. However, you may start by learning about RDI® through trainings, materials and parent support opportunities, and you are likely to being seeing positive results soon after implementing general RDI principles.
How do I choose an RDI® consultant?
It is important to choose your RDI® Program Consultant from the list provided by the Connections Center: www.rdiconnect.com. This insures that the therapist with whom you are contracting has successfully completed the RDI® certification, a rigorous process that involves many hours of training and supervision, as well as ongoing training and annual re-certification. You will notice an extra star next to the names of consultants that have completed their re-certification, a star for each year. It is recommended that you interview potential consultants to identify the best match for your family, based on your particular needs.
Is RDI® expensive?
Compared with other therapies, RDI® is a cost effective modality, since the investment you are making is in yourself, and your own capability to produce results in your child. What you learn will be applied every day, and in a natural way within your family's lifestyle. As compared with paying a professional to provide a service on an hourly basis (such as Applied Behavioral Analysis, which can cost thousands of dollars per year), RDI® is a cost effective modality that yields tremendously rewarding results.
How long can I expect to be using RDI® with my child?
The RDI® Program has been described as being a marathon rather than a sprint, meaning that the goals of promoting healthy development are long term. Just as healthy development does not have an end point, most families find that they are using RDI® over a period of several years, as their child progresses through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.
What is an RDA (Relationship Development Assessment)?
The Relationship Development Assessment (RDA) is provided by an RDI® Program Certified Consultant to specifically design an RDI® home program for your child. For a brief overview of assessment options offered by this consultant, please click here, or for a more detailed description of the assessment process offered by this consultant, please click here. The Connections Center also provides useful in depth information about the RDA at their website: www.rdiconnect.com
What can I expect to get from an RDA?
The RDA will result in a customized RDI® home program that addresses your child's specific developmental needs, complete with a 6 month treatment plan that you will carry out at home. A plan for ongoing contact will be included, so that you can continue to receive feedback and support for implementing your treatment plan.
Do you have a wait list for an RDA?
There is typically a wait list for an RDA. Please call or email to be placed on the list, and to receive important information about preparing for your RDA.
Can I be practicing RDI® while I am waiting?
YES! Click here to download "What To Do While You Are Waiting"
How much does an RDA cost?
For fees and package options, click here.
Do you accept health insurance?
Yes, most private health insurance plans are accepted, and are billed by my office for your convenience. Please note that most insurance plans will only pay for direct service hours, and are subject to your plan's mental health benefits, since I am licensed as a mental health provider. All costs and procedure codes are provided in my RDA information packet, so that you can verify your coverage with your insurance company in advance of your first appointment.
What options are available if we cannot afford the full fee?
Often, there are alternate funding sources for families without health insurance. Please check with my office for options currently available. Payment plans, as well as Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Where does the RDA take place?
The RDA usually takes place in my office, located 20 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington. Home visits are typically included as one portion of the assesment.
Do you travel?
Yes. For families living outside the United States, click here. For families living within the United States and some parts of Canada, it is usually more efficient and cost effective to visit my office. However, if you still prefer an on site RDA, please contact me to discuss your options.
What must we do to be placed on your RDA wait list?
Please contact me for an intake packet.
How did you get interested in RDI®?
As a psychotherapist (and parent!), one of the areas I am most concerned with is the emotional bond between parent and child, the degree of connection, the shared enjoyment and trust. A colleague introduced me to RDI in 2002, and when I began using this approach, I saw dramatic changes in my clients with autism spectrum disorders, and changes in my son with ASD that I never dreamed possible. I immediately signed up for the professional training course. What continues to be remarkable to me is the depth of the connection between parent and child that is possible when given the guidance to do so. I absolutely love the work I do, because it is immensely rewarding to watch families grow, become empowered, and discover that they can deepen their relationships with their children, regardless of diagnosis.
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