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Relationship Development Intervention Education Information

Introduction

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) aims to create strong personal family bonds for you and your child with Autism through shared family fun time.  Developed by psychologist Steven Gutstein Ph.D, RDI focuses on skills that normally develop in infancy and early childhood that lead to social interaction and flexible and dynamic thinking.  This parent-driven clinical treatment program helps prepare parents to act as guides to create daily opportunities for their child to succeed in everyday settings.  The child will be working towards increasing flexibility and problem solving, understanding social communication, dealing with unpredictable changes, and developing real relationships.

Related Sites

An Introduction to RDI
Description:  This site gives a thorough explanation of RDI programs and the manner in which they teach parents how to work with their children to truly succeed in a reciprocal relationship and also address key core issues.

RDI Connect
Description:  This site directly links you to RDI training, educational resources, and parent supports. It also provides access to a newsletter and information on family based programming.

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
Description:  RDI is a fun program of strategies and techniques that you can teach your child on a daily basis. Get the facts and learn how.

Books

Relationship Development Intervention with Children, Adolescents and Adults by Steven E. Gutstein and Rachelle K. Sheely
Description:  Although this book could be utilized by any individual struggling with emotional and social issues, the writing is extremely valuable for those on the autism spectrum. Several RDI activities as well as evaluation criteria are provided. Also included is an accompanying website with additional information.

Autism Asperger’s: Solving the Relationship Puzzle— A New Development Program that Opens the Door to Lifelong Social and Emotional Growth by Steven E. Gutstein
Description:  This book investigates why children with autism lack social skills.

The RDI Book: Forging New Pathways for Autism, Asperger's and PDD with the Relationship Development Intervention Program by Steven E. Gutstein Ph.D
Description:  This book written by Steven Gutstein is a breakthrough source for parents with a child on the autism spectrum. Created to develop children socially, cognitively as well as emotionally, this RDI program helps children to better encounter changes and challenges.

Relationship Development Intervention with Young Children: Social and Emotional Development Activities for Asperger Syndrome, Autism, PDD and NLD by Steven E. Gutstein and Rachelle K. Sheely
Description:  This book on Relationship Development Intervention was written for autistic children from ages two through eight. The primary focus of the author is to introduce an all-inclusive set of activities to aid in the development of social skills. A valuable asset for parents, teachers, and therapists alike, this book also includes.

Tools

RDI Program
Description:  Dr. Gutstein discusses the goals and the core principles of the 4 main stages of the RDI Program.

Dr. Gutstein outlines RDI
Description:  Dr. Gutstein, the founder of the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), provides a brief overview of the program and how it works.

Relationship Development Intervention Fact Sheet
Description:  This site provides an easy to read Fact Sheet about RDI.

Carol Gray: What are Social Stories (TM)?
Description:  Carol Gray, creator of Social Stories, gives a 5 minute overview of what Social Stories are.

Parent Forums/Blogs

Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.

Forum/Blog Name:  Autism_RDI_NC
Description:  RDI teaches parents how to effectively guide their children to develop the desire and skill to share their experience with others and become motivated to learn about others' feelings, perspectives and ideas. RDI is a remediation program that addresses the core deficits of autism.

Forum/Blog Name:  RDI International List
Description:  Welcome! Our RDI forum is for all those who are involved or interested in RDI, a program to assist those with AS/ASD/PDD onto "the path of self-discovery and social awareness".

Forum/Blog Name:  Autism/RDI/Dynamic Intelligence
Description:  This group is for both parents who are currently working with an RDI consultant, along with parents who are not working with a consultant at this time, who want to help their children by both the Guiding model and Dynamic Intelligence model of RDI in a supportive atmosphere.

Forum/Blog Name:  Homeschooling with RDI
Description:  An un-moderated private discussion group for sharing ideas about incorporating RDI, an Autism Remediation program developed by Dr. Steven Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely, in a homeschooling program for parents with child(ren) on the Autism Spectrum.

Forum/Blog Name:  RDI-Chicago
Description:  This group is for families or professionals who are interested in or currently using RDI therapy to remediate autism.