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By Stacy Goresko,Ph.D.,
RDI® Program Certified Consultant
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Frequently Asked Questions - RDI® |
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Is RDI® Research Based?
- How much does RDI® cost?
- Is RDI® strictly a one-on-one adult/child program or does it also
incorporate peer groups?
- What does RDI® require?
- How do I get started?
- How does RDI® differ from other types ASD treatments?
- Is RDI Effective?
- Do I have to live close to my Consultant?
- What is the RDI® philosophy?
- Is RDI® only for children?
- How can I speak to other families about RDI®?
- How long will it take before I see some results?
- How long is the RDI® treatment?
- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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.
Back to Top
- 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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- 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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- Is RDI® only for children?
No. RDI® can be effective at any age.
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- 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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- 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.
Back to Top
- 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.
Back to Top
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