Prioritize Remediation of Autism (Pro-Autism)
What is RDI®?
RDI® is a remediation intervention that has as main goal the development of dynamic intelligence and neural integration. It is based on the latest research in the fields of autism and typical child development. It was developed by Drs. Steve Gutstein and Rachelle Sheely who are also the co-founders of the Connections Center in Houston, Texas. RDI® is a mission-oriented intervention and it is continually evolving. It is an intervention that empowers the family of the individual with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, or PDD-NOS. Its mission is to remediate the core deficits of autism, in order to improve the quality of life of the affected individual and his/her family. The main goal of this intervention is to help parents and caregivers become guides to their children by modifying their interaction styles, as well as by seizing opportunities for learning throughout the day.
RDI® values emotion-sharing during interactions, as well as competence. Competence in two-way interactions is achieved slowly through repetitive back-and-forth actions at first. Thus, the child is introduced to interactions with clearly established regulatory patterns. Once the child is able to become a true social partner during simple repetitive interactions, small variations are introduced. Thus, change is introduced gradually, because we want the child to deal with it in a successful manner. The child is helped to become competent in interactions of increasing complexities. When a certain level of competence is achieved, the child is paired up with another child of similar level. By increasing competence in these dynamic situations, the child’s intrinsic motivation to be a social partner will grow as well. Ultimately, the child will function better as an individual, as well as a friend, classmate, co-worker and romantic partner.
The RDI® Program helps individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder to:
» Communicate to share
» Improve emotional regulation
» Increase the motivation to participate in interactions
» Become mentally engaged more often
» Overcome rigid thinking
» Develop give-and-take relationships
» Improve their quality of life
Visit
www.rdiconnect.com to learn more about the RDI® Program.
To read published research about effectiveness of RDI®:
http://www.aut.sagepub.com