Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for Autism

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a family – based intervention program for children with autism created by Dr. Steven Gutstein. The basis of this intervention is helping children develop dynamic intelligence skills and motivation. The skills focused on are different than social skills and include development of skills such as “flexible thinking, pragmatic communication, creative information processing, problem-solving, and self-development” (http://www.rdiconnect.com/RDI/FAQ_General.asp).

The video below shows a father and his son working on communicating only with non-verbal communication and gestures. It is a beautiful example of a father using RDI with his son. There is almost no talking and it is such a beautiful and natural interaction. You can see the boy isn’t being told what to do, instead he is reading the non-verbal communication and gestures that his father is using. Relationship development is so important for children with autism. It isn’t the only intervention technique that should be used, but the RDI activities are a great addition to a child’s program to help them grow and develop important life skills and skills that will help them flourish in life.