What is RDI®?
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) is a cognitive developmental, parent/ family centered therapy for individuals with autism and aspergers.
Based on over twenty five years of research and the latest research it is, with over 900 objectives, split into different stages.
As a remediation programme; it is a gradual and systematic process of correcting a deficit (it is not a compensation program). It is a way to help children to construct and use their minds more effectively. It teaches a child to feel competent in facing challenges and dynamic analysis. It works on changing neurology.
Who is involved in the treatment?
When participating in the RDI® programme, you will have a RDI® Certified Programme Consultant who runs your programme (depending on which package you choose will decide how often you are in contact with your consultant) and carries out a six monthly assessment. There are no therapists involved in your programme, it will be primarily the parents who are involved in providing the treatment to their child. At later stages siblings and other family members may get more involved.
What is involved in the treatment?
All programmes begin with a baseline assessment, to assess the level of intersubjective relationship and where to begin the RDI programme. All RDI Programmes require regular weekly footage for the consultant to review and provide feedback on. More support is available to families who want it in their packages that involve face to face consultations and practical supervision.
What does the RDI® programme focus on?
The RDI® programme's primary focus is to remediate the core deficits of autism;
Dynamic Intelligence
Flexible and creative thinking and problem solving
Experience sharing communication Episodic memory Self awareness Appraisal
The RDI® programme takes into consideration all other aspects of the individuals needs (academics, diet, co-occuring disorders, etc) and helps provide a balanced treatment plan.
The RDI® programme spends time in getting parents ready for the treatment and making them feel competent and confident in what they will do.
Who will benefit from RDI®?
Many individuals who have autism or aspergers or related disorders will have the above core deficits and will benefit from the RDI® programme. Those individuals who show other learning disabilities with verbal and non verbal communication, or anyone who shows the above deficits.
How do I know if the RDI® programme is right for our family?
The RDI® programme is suitable for most families with an autistic individual (for a package suitable for you contact Elisa Ferriggi). The RDI® programme concentrates on important areas of development and therefore makes gradual developmental improvements, affecting the individuals quality of life. The RDI® programme is about the best quality of time.
The benefits of having a consultant
Regular ongoing support throughout your programme;
Updated and constant review of current research in the field of autism (clinical and research based);
Information on how to create opportunities for your child to become competent in the areas of deficit (see above), through; information, readings, explanations, descriptions, demonstrations, role play, modeling and any other method that may be required;
Assessments to review the progress of your child and programme;
The consultant knows where the child is at and when to move the child on;
The consultant will provide you with a balanced treatment plan to include remediation, co-occurring disorders and short term compensations.
Access to the Learning System and specific objectives.
How much time do I need to spend on RDI®?
The RDI® programme is suitable for lifestyle activities so you can carry on with your typical daily activities whilst doing the RDI®, choosing the correct opportunities throughout the day to target your goals and objectives. You do not need to set aside a number of hours a day to do this specifically.
Where is the RDA and RDI® carried out?
Assessments are carried out in Peterborough and the family will travel to do the assessment. Consultations will take place in the home environment or in Peterborough and regular ongoing support will also be provided via email, contact Elisa Ferriggi for more detailed information on packages available.
What do I need to do the RDI® programme?
You will need;
A camcorder, to record some of the activities and targets that you are doing each week, to show the consultant, who will review and provide feedback and also for a record to see the individuals development, and/ or to be used as a learning tool to point out how to do certain aspects. You will also find a tripod and wide angle lens useful.
Internet access, as you will need to subscribe to the Learning System and upload your footage through it.