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What is Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) ?
What is RDI?
You have heard about the term RDI before, but you're not sure how it works. Some say it's about building social skills and improving human relationships – it does sound like a suitable intervention for kids on the spectrum. You've heard other moms talked about it, you have tried looking for information on the internet, but you're still a little unsure. Don't worry. We're here to help you understand RDI better.
The RDI Model
Relationship Development Intervention, short for RDI, was founded in 1999 by Dr Steven Gutstein in the United States of America. With the emphasis of Guided Participation Relationship (GPR) as the core of RDI to bridge the parent-child relationship, parents can use daily activities to guide children, building engagement, independence and dynamic intelligence.
According to the scientific concept of brain neuroplasticity, RDI addresses the five core elements for growth in children with ASD flexible and creative thinking, dynamic analysis, experience sharing, self-awareness, and episodic memory.
Instead of focusing on external behaviours and finding replacement behaviour strategies to change the child, RDI focuses on building these five underlying elements to bring out the true potential in the child. RDI believes that through parental guidance, children can achieve growth dynamically.
Today, there's still no concrete evidence on the cause of ASD, but substantial research confirms ASD is related to the different wirings of the brain. Hence, RDI hopes to promote holistic growth in the child by tapping into the brain's executive functions responsible for dynamic learning like emotional regulation, social communication, self-reflection, problem-solving skills, etc. RDI focuses
With proper guidance from the RDI consultant, parents will learn how to communicate and engage meaningfully with the child instead of just engaging in static interactions like instructions or a one-way question-answer basis. RDI aims to increase the quality of life in ASD families.
Who is Suitable for RDI?
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
How it Works
RDI is a family-oriented intervention method where its primary focus is on the parent-child relationship. With the guidance of an RDI consultant, parents will learn how to apply RDI principles and concepts into their daily lifestyles. We will guide you to communicate effectively and meaningfully with your child.