Frequently Asked Questions - RDI® 

1. Is RDI® Research Based?
2. How much does RDI® cost?
3. Is RDI® strictly a one-on-one adult/child program or does it also incorporate peer groups?
4. What does RDI® require?
5. How do I get started?
6. How does RDI® differ from other types ASD treatments?
7. Is RDI Effective?
8. Do I have to live close to my Consultant?
9. What is the RDI® philosophy?
10. Is RDI® only for children?
11. How can I speak to other families about RDI®?
12. How long will it take before I see some results?
13. How long is the RDI® treatment?

1. Is RDI® Research Based?
   
   Yes, RDI® is grounded in the latest research in the fields of Autism, Psychology, and the Brain. To review these research sources and to read about RDI’s effectiveness, visit www.rdiconnect.com.
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2. How much does RDI® cost?
   
   Surprisingly, RDI® is cost effective compared with other home programs. This is because the one-on-one time with the ASD child is being primarily carried out by the parents. Typically, parents will start their program by meeting with a consultant once a week for an hour. However, once parents begin to increase their competency fewer visits are required.
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3. Is RDI® strictly a one-on-one adult/child program or does it also incorporate peer groups?
   
   The answer to that question is “Yes” and “No.” When children are at the earlier stages of RDI® one-on-one with an adult is required. However, once the children have mastered the early stages, dyads and small groups can be formed.
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4. What does RDI® require?
   
   Relationship Development Intervention® requires both commitment and perseverance from families. Both fathers and mothers are essential participants in the treatment process. Given the challenges that our children on the spectrum face and the goals that RDI® aspires to achieve, RDI® is not a short term intervention solution. Although progress can be seen almost immediately, gaining true competency in dynamic systems takes time. This being stated, parents who engage in RDI® have overwhelmingly reported a significant improvement in their own quality of life, as well as the lives of their “typical” and special needs children. I know that RDI® has made a huge difference in my family’s life as well as in the life of my ASD son!
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5. How do I get started?
   
   For more information on RDI®, and/or if you are interested in starting an RDI® Program with your family, please contact Dr. Stacy Goresko, RDI® Program Certified Consultant at 303 652 4950 or email her.
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6. How does RDI® differ from other types ASD treatments?
   
   It differs from other programs in several ways. First, it is a Remediation Program. It treats the autism and not the symptoms of autism. (See my discussion on landing page).
   Second, RDI® is the only treatment program that uses developmental model. This means that the intervention is developmentally appropriate for each child. Thirdly, RDI®
   Teaches dynamic intelligence. This is the opposite of a traditional applied behavior analysis approach. In order to become competent in dynamic systems, children need to be active willing participants and not a rote passive partner. RDI® allows ASD individuals to work on how to handle real life situations, the kind we have to deal with everyday of our lives. Fourth, RDI® is a Collaborative/Consultant model. As a RDI® Program Certified Consultant, I work directly with the parents and provide the parents with the tools and skills they need to carry out the intervention. Parents are a critical piece in their child’s treatment program. It is a collaborative team effort. Fifth, in RDI® it is the parents and not child who takes the lead. RDI® uses parents as their child’s primary guides whereas the child’s role is to be an apprentice to their parents. In this way the ASD child learns how to be in the world by taking on an apprenticeship role that works closely with his Mentor or Guide. Sixth, RDI® used video technology as a teaching tool. Parents video tape their interactions with their child and in this way the Consultant and parent have a power means to examine the intricacies of verbal and non-verbal communication.
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7. Is RDI Effective?
   
   Yes, RDI is Effective and is grounded in the latest research in the fields of Autism, Developmental Psychology, and the brain. To review these research sources and to read about RDI’s effectiveness, visit www.rdiconnect.com.
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8. Do I have to live close to my Consultant?
   
   Absolutely not! Because of the developed technology that is available you can work with a Consultant that does not live in your same town or your same state for that matter. I have many out of town clients. We correspond via telephone, emails and video technology. This being said, however, I family would have to make arrangements to come and see the Consultant for the initial Relationship Development Assessment® (See “How do I get started for more details of the RDA®") 
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9. What is the RDI® philosophy?
   
   RDI® believes that ASD individuals deserve a second chance at having the opportunity to know how to do relationships. Through what is called “Guided Participation” parents and child, adolescent or adult can learn how to reestablish meaningful relationships.
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10. Is RDI® only for children?
    
    No. RDI® can be effective at any age.
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11. How can I speak to other families about RDI®?
    
    Contact Dr. Stacy Goresko and she will be happy to send you some personal referrals.
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12. How long will it take before I see some results?
    
    Of course each child and family is different, but you will begin to see a difference in they way you and your child interact almost immediately.
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13. How long is the RDI® treatment?
    
    RDI® is not a short term intervention solution. Although progress can be seen almost immediately, gaining true competency in dynamic systems takes time. This being stated, parents who engage in RDI® have overwhelmingly reported a significant improvement in their own quality of life, as well as the lives of their “typical” and special needs’ children.

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14. What Quality Of Life Will Your Child Have When He Grows Up?

    One of the most profound questions and concerns that RDI® addresses is The Quality of Life for Your Child as he/she grows up into adulthood. Dr. Steve Gutstein, founder of RDI® began asking the hard but pertinent questions such as, "What are we preparing these kids for? Yes, now they are two, but what will they look like when they are 12, 22, 32, etc? Are we giving them the life skills that they will need to provide them with a better quality of life?" By quality of life he means, is the person able to live independently, hold down a job, have friends and intimate relationships?

    Unfortunately, if you look at current statistics, we find that the autism field has not been preparing them too well. Most adults on the  Spectrum do not live independently, are not able to hold down a job and have very few if any meaningful relationships in their lives apart from their immediate family. RDI® addresses those quality of life issues that quite frankly no one else is looking at. One of the powerful tools that enable me to look into your child's "spectrum" is the RDA®.


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15. A Powerful Tool That I Use
    The RDA® (Relationship Development Assessment) is one of the very important tools and methods at my disposal. The RDA® enables me to see where your child has developmentally “hit the wall” in their social communicative competency and is no longer able to progress on their own. As RDI® is not a one-size-fits-all type of intervention. Each home program is tailored to target each child’s specific developmental needs.

    One of the things my clients love about RDI® is how they feel after developing their new found parenting skills. How does it feel??
    IT FEELS GREAT!! because for the first time in your life with your autistic child, it puts you-the parent into the driver’s seat and makes you feel empowered.


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16. How and Why RDI® Works

    RDI® works on many levels. For instance, it works because it teaches your child to become engaged and connected to the real world and real people. There is no rote learning going on, but rather active participation from the child in real life situations. RDI® provides you and your child with the opportunity to reestablish the core parent/child relationship that did not develop prior to this intervention.

    And the fact that you have such an opportunity to discover and claim a relationship with your child that you did not have before is just one example of how profoundly gratifying and empowering RDI® can be. But make no mistake about it. RDI® is not about gratification, it is about bringing your child into the mainstream, into the social world where we all live.


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17. What Kind of Skills Do People On The Spectrum Really Need?

    Teaching academic or trade skills to people on the Spectrum is certainly helpful, however what people on the spectrum really miss are the skills needed to competently function in a social dynamic world. In the following two videos you see a boy who has a great amount of skills. See Video of Child With Skills Playing the Piano. But in the next video you will see the same boy who has no real social communicative competence and is not able to engage with his mother in a spontaneous fashion. See Another Video of the Same Child Disengaged From His Mother Reading To Him. RDI® is the only treatment program that I am aware of that addresses this critical but missing piece.


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18. Another Important RDI® Process - Guided Participation

    "Another process I use is called “Guided Participation,” in which I teach you how to interact with your child at a level that is developmentally appropriate. The goal is to find a your child’s “zone of proximal development” which is just beyond the child’s level of competence. As a RDI® Program Certified Consultant, I work closely with my clients to make sure we are providing their children with just enough challenge so that optimal learning can take place.

    You know, I can go on and on telling you why I think that RDI® is the present and future wave of autism treatment but there is one other thing that I think you will find to be quite "gratifying" about RDI®. It's Affordable!! Just how affordable?
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19. Why RDI® Is The Best Autism Intervention Value In Town!

Most traditional home-based autism treatment programs can cost anywhere from twenty to forty thousand dollars a year!! (Yes, it costs the same as a year’s college tuition). In most other treatment models you hire people to come into your home and work with you child or you have to drive them to several therapists. At the end of the week or month you owe them a huge amount of money and hope that they are doing a good job.

With RDI® the experience is very different. A year of treatment will only cost you and your family a fraction of that amount of money and this includes a very thorough assessment process, a treatment plan, and weekly consults. What is equally appealing is that you, as the parent, are investing in yourself. The money you are spending on your RDI® program is going toward right back to yourself as you learn how to become the “professional” or what I like to call the “primary treatment provider” for your own child. RDI® is based as a parent educational consultant model.

As a certified consultant, I give you, the parents the skills, tools, education you will need so that you can carry out your own program and learn how to become the “professional.” The more proficient you become, the better job I have done. So, essentially you are spending your money learning how to provide treatment to your son or daughter. Doesn’t that sound like a smart investment?
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20. How Do I Work With My Clients?

    Another one of the great things about my RDI® Autism Services is  that I can work with you wherever you live. I work with long distance clients all over the United States. I hope you will consider using my services when you are looking into a treatment program for your child. so no matter where you live, I can help you.

    I know you may have a number of questions before making a commitment to a new Autism Intervention like RDI®. Because of that I would pleased to extend to you a Free Mini Consultation during which we can further discuss your situation.

    So please feel free to give me a call today so I can answer any questions for you. My office hours are Monday - Saturday 8 am - 8 pm Mountain Standard Time. Back to home page

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