Relationship Development Intervention for autism???

[WendyL]

Hi there,
has anyone heard of this?
http://www.rdiconnect.com/
We've gone to see a new pediatrician who works with a speech & OT, and together they do a type of this RDI. Just wondering if anyone has heard of it or tried it or anything. Sounds pretty interesting to me...
Thanks.
Wendy

[supposedlysusan]

It is the hot new thing in intervention right now. I think it is a very interesting idea. Another parent at the center where the girls get ABA just went to the conference and is going to use it with her daughter. I am waiting to get the inside scoop from her.
Please let us know what you think about it too.
Right now, in addition to the other stuff we've been doing, we are working on developing "Theory of Mind" with the girls. Abby and Emma Jean both struggle with this, though Abby more so , I think. The playground has become a very difficult time of day for her, like it is for many kids on the spectrum. :(
Anyway, that is cool that you are going to get into the RDI scene. Best wishes and again PLEASE share with us your experience.

[sevenstw1]

I want to do this with my boys! I have been reading a little about it and am impressed with the intent behind the program. There is another mom in my town who is looking into so we are going to support each other. The biggest issue we have is getting the initial assessment paid for. There are only two consultants in NC that do it and it seems the going rate for assessements is $1000! We both have medicaid waivers so we are going to see if the waiver will help with the cost.

Cross your fingers for us! Please let us know what you think about it Wendy. I like to hear stories from other parents and not just the professionals who make a living doing these intervention methods.

Here is a message board for families using RDI.
RDI NC Group (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RDI_NC/)

Amy

[fitz]

I don't know if this is the same thing as RDI, but I can tell you that I know someone who went through this program (which includes extensive brain mapping to identify problems, followed by am individual therapeutic program), and there's been a world of difference. Many of the children who work with this program aren't even on the autism spectrum after completing the work...

http://www.crossroadsinstitute.org/index.html

P.S. I don't work for them... just think it's a wonderful thing!

[WendyL]

Thanks for your replies!
The place we're going to, the OT & speechie there I don't believe have been formally trained, they haven't done the full practitioner thing, so I don't know if its full-on RDI or they've adapted it a bit.

I am very intrigued though! I also like the theory behind it and that, I'm having a hard time explaining it to dh though, as I had to go to the initial appt on my own ($200). What they do here is if we continue, we'll have an observation session where they watch Jared interact & play with us through a 2 way mirror ($200), then we have a goal planning session ($100 or $200), then they do a training session (yet another $200) and I think you go to follow up after that. They'll also attend his educational settings for training if required (but we'd have to pay for it) So we're looking at about $800 I think, with only a part covered by health insurance.

I'm going to try to get a couple of books on it they've recommended and go from there. I'll keep you posted!
& Amy, let me know how you guys go too.
cheers,
Wendy