Prioritize Remediation of Autism (Pro-Autism)
Staff
Camelia Varga, M.A. (Child Study)
I have been working with numerous children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for the past eight years. I started to develop an interest in the field of autism intervention while completing my Bachelor degree at Concordia University in the Adapted Physical Activities specialization. Volunteering at the Douglas Hospital was followed by an internship at Rivieres-Des-Prairies Hospital and by my first job in the field of autism as an ABA therapist. After years of working, training and becoming very familiar with many different approaches (Lovaas ABA, Verbal Behaviour, TEACCH, Floor time, Sensory Integration, Brain Gym, Hanen, PECS, Social story, etc.) I still felt that something important was missing. Although I had good results using ABA principles in the interventions, the results were limited. The children were learning words but not communicating in the true sense. They were not motivated to share their thoughts. There was little sharing of emotion. Most interactions were a means to an end, rather than just enjoying the interchange of ideas and feelings. I was very excited to learn about the RDI® Program in 2005, and I attended the two-day introductory workshop the same summer. Everything Dr. Gutstein was saying rang very true. In addition, the theory that the RDI® Program is based on was actually covered in some of my graduate courses of Child Development and Cognition. I felt that RDI really was what I was looking for: truly a “missing link” in the autism intervention field, as it was a remediation intervention that aimed to address the social and emotional deficits of autism. I started the certification process as soon as it was possible in January 2006. The RDI® professional certification journey was completed in July 2008. It has been the most enriching experience of my life. I look forward to make many positive contributions in many families in my new consultant role.
For any information concerning services or the RDI® Program, please contact:
Camelia Varga, M.A.
RDI® Program Certified Consultant
(514) 502-6388
proautism.camelia@yahoo.com
prioritizeremediation@gmail.com