What is Relationship Development Intervention(RDI)?
The RDI program is a systematic, developmental, parent-based intervention in which parents are provided the tools necessary to teach dynamic intelligence skills and motivation to their child/children. RDI is a step by step program that focuses first on increasing motivation and then on building competency skills. It empowers parents by providing a means to effectively guide children's development. With successful guiding, parents begin to feel more competent.
The program begins with a comprehensive detailed evaluation of your child called Relationship Development Assessment (RDA). The RDA provides us with information regarding your child's strengths and needs. Because ASD is a spectrum disorder, the curriculum for RDI is specifically tailored for each child. The protocol changes as he/she changes. With mastery of each developmental step, new more challenging activities will be designed to take him/her to the next level.
RDI requires the parent/s to make 30 minute videotapes of the parent and child engaged in activities prescribed by the RDI consultant every other week. The consultant will watch videos and provide feedback through office visits or phone consults. The RDA should be given every 6 months in order to both document progress and make necessary adjustments.