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Autism Teaching Methods: Relationship Development Intervention Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) is a parent-based clinical treatment that seeks to correct the core social problems of autism, such as friendship skills, empathy and the desire to share personal experiences with others. Psychologist Steven Gutstein developed RDI with his wife, Dr. Rachelle Sheely. In so doing, they took into account the ways in which typically-developing children learn how to have emotional relationships from infancy onward. RDI tries to help children interact positively with other people, even
without language. When children learn the value and joy of personal
relationships, according to RDI, they will find it easier to learn language and
social skills. RDI is based on the idea that children with autism missed some or
many of the typical social development milestones as infants and toddlers. They
can be taught these skills through play and other activities, according to RDI. Here's an example of RDI in action: "The adult holds a treat in
one closed fist, displays both closed fists to the child, and then looks at the
hand that holds the treat. The child is given repeated opportunities to 'find'
the treat in the hand the adult looks at," according to the Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders Early research of RDI's effectiveness published in 2005 indicates that RDI may be more effective that some other treatments. When compared to a control group with autism, children whose families participated in RDI showed greater improvement on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and more independence at school. Dr. Gutstein acknowledges that more research needs to be done of his method, which is relatively new. It was first publicized in 2001. Some families are using RDI in addition to ABA and other teaching methods. About 5,000 families were receiving RDI in 2009, according to RDIconnect. A goal of the family-centered program is "normalization of family life for all members." Considerations: RDI is more often used in homes than schools, though that is changing. RDI-certified consultants can be expensive. More research needs to be done on RDI.
Dr. Gutstein's RDIconnect web site lists more than 135 certified consultants.
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Dr. Steven E. Gutstein's first major RDI book explains the new treatment
and includes examples
of therapy and progress among his young clients.
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addresses therapy for older children and adults.