RDI™ is an intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum that targets social interaction and dynamic thinking skills. Traditional social skills programs focus on scripts and rules that often do not apply in real life situations.
Dr. Gutstein developed this program when he became aware that many ASD individuals were unable to function in social situations. Even so-called "higher-functioning" individuals who were able to blend in with their peers were having difficulties forming real relationships.
The stages of RDI® are based on the stages that neurotypical children go through as they learn to become social beings. We start with basic functions like emotion sharing and social referencing before we try to teach rules or higher level skills. Each child is given an individualized program based on the results of an in-depth assessment called the RDA. Parents are given strategies for interacting with their ASD child in order to encourage interaction and strengthen their relationship.
RDI® is the only therapy that targets the core deficits of autism.
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