Relationship Development Intervention®:

This clinic has adopted RDI as a means of addressing the core deficit of Autism.  RDI is  a parent centered intervention.  It is neither a medical model nor an educational model. It is unique in its quest to actually change the neural pathways through intensive therapeutic intervention.  RDI is based on sound theoretical underpinnings as it utilizes a developmental model re emotional development. In addition, there are clear principals that are used consistently across all people teaching and implementing the intervention.  The teaching within the program is carefully programmed to allow for the development of competence within the child.  Through the development of competence, the greatest motivator an individual can have, the child is helped to learn to interact mindfully with his environment. Early research has shown positive results. 

Individuals who are on the Autistic Spectrum can be evaluated for their abilities to relate. The evaluation is multifaceted as it involves, a parent education session, a review of a home video, record review, parent surveys, formal activities, activity probes and parental training.  The rate of the evaluation is $2,400.  The cost includes the evaluation, a report, a review and feedback on the first video tape of intervention done by the parents. If the parents would like both an RDA and a speech/language assessment, costs reflect the number of additional sessions required. At the end of the assessment parents are advised to commit to 6 months of guided intervention procedures.

What to do while waiting for an RDA:

• Register on the official RDI website and become a member so that you can receive the newsletter. There is no charge for these services.
• Attend a parent two day workshop offered by Dr. Gutstein.
• Watch the DVD: “Going to the Heart of Autism”, by Dr. Gutstein
• Read the book: Solving the Relationship Puzzle by Dr. Gutstein.

RDI is a parent based model. Through the clinic, the parents are offered direct consultations as well as video tape reviews to guide them through the process of guiding their children.  Families will meet with a consultant on varied schedules.  Some families will meet once a week, others will meet biweekly, while others will send in video tapes for review and visit once every few months (because of distance).  The rates range from $65.00 to $200.00 per hour.