Here are some things that every family who is considering RDI® should know:
RDI® is not a quick-fix miracle cure.
Many families have seen significant gains in their child’s interpersonal skills and flexibility after starting RDI®. These families have done the necessary work and put in the necessary time to make this happen. A successful RDI® program requires commitment and consistency over time. If you are unwilling or unable to do the work, then RDI® is not the best intervention for your family.
RDI® Is Not a Behavioral Intervention
If you are used to interventions based on a behavioral model (ABA, VB, etc.), RDI® will be a big change. RDI® does not focus on discrete trials to gain skills. RDI® is based on the latest research on typical development. The stages of RDI® are based on offering a “re-do” of essential stages of typical development.
If you are currently involved in an intensive, home-based ABA program, adding RDI® will be overwhelming for you and your child. The strategies used in RDI® are very different from those used in ABA. Sometimes, behavioral strategies may be used along with RDI® in order to treat a specific behavior that is causing difficulty, but if ABA is your primary intervention, then starting an RDI® program is not recommended.
RDI® is a Parent-Led Program
In RDI®, parents are the primary therapists. Beware of any professional who claims to “do RDI®” with your child. Under the RDI® Protocol endorsed by the Connections Center, parents are the primary therapists, under the direction of a Certified RDI® Program Consultant.
The main goal of RDI® is to facilitate a reciprocal relationship between parents and child. Typically developing children develop their first relationships with their parents, and it is the same for our children. It is also necessary to integrate RDI® into your daily lifestyle. This cannot be done by a therapist who only sees your child for an hour a week.
Some families may hire extenders to supplement their RDI® programs. This is acceptable, as long as the parents are the primary therapists, and as long as the extender is working under the supervision of a Certified RDI® Program Consultant. Individuals who have worked as RDI® extenders are not qualified to offer feedback or conduct assessments, and can actually cause harm if they are hired to do so.
A Successful RDI® Program Takes Time
It will take time to see results. Some individuals move through the stages faster than others, but no one will be “cured” of autism within a week or a month, or even a year. RDI® will help your child to develop social skills, but it will not happen overnight. Neurotypical children take years to develop socially and emotionally, and children with autism will also need time and practice to go through these stages of development. If you are expecting your child to be “age-appropriate” after a short period of time, you will probably be disappointed.
A Successful RDI® Program Requires Consistency
In order to make progress in RDI® you must submit tapes to your consultant regularly. If you are unable or unwilling to do this, then RDI® is not the best intervention for your family.
You will need to get into the habit of taping your interactions with your child. This may seem like a lot of trouble at first, but it is the only way your consultant can see how your program is working out. RDI® parents also find that they notice things on the tapes that they did not notice during the interaction. It is important to tape areas where you are struggling as well as sessions that go well. Your consultant will not be able to offer feedback to work through difficulties if s/he does not see them.
It is also important to submit your tapes regularly. Families who do not send in their tapes regularly will not make progress. Submitting the tapes helps families stay on track and keep up with their program.
You Need a Certified Consultant
RDI® Program Certified Consultants are trained to conduct assessments and train parents in the development and implementation of the RDI® program. Only a Certified Consultant is qualified to offer feedback and conduct assessments. You can find a complete list of Certified Consultants at www.rdiconnect.com.
Some families work with Consultants-in-Training. If you are considering this, please contact the Connections Center directly to confirm the training status of the professional in question.
You Will Need to Participate in Parent Education
In order to successfully work with your child, you need to learn about typical development, the core deficits of autism, and the strategies of RDI®. All Certified Consultants are required to offer their parents special training in these areas. Some Consultants offer special packages for this, while others integrate it into their existing protocol.
Consider Your Goals
Ultimately, each family must decide which interventions are most appropriate for their child. Before committing to any one intervention, clarify your goals. What do you want to accomplish? Most families have limited time and resources, so make sure you are spending yours in the most effective manner.
I chose RDI® because it was the most innovative program I could find. I have seen my son learn things that individuals with autism are not “supposed” to be able to learn. It has not been an easy journey, and we still have a long way to go, but I will always be grateful to Dr. Gutstein for developing this program. It was the right choice for my family.