RDI

History
The RDI program is based upon a model of dynamic intelligence developed by Dr. Steven Gutstein.
Gutstein studied the means by which typical children become competent in the world of emotional
relationships. The developers of the program describe it as a parent-based clinical treatment for
individuals on the autistic spectrum or with other relationship-based disorders.

How RDI differs from ABA
Proponents of RDI believe that while conventional autism therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) teach discrete skills, the social outcomes that result often lack the emotional components of
communication as they rely on scripted and predictable actions. They believe that such training may
result in improved discrete skills, such as eye contact, emotion recognition (of static images) and turn
taking, but that it does not teach social intelligence.

RDI is a developmental style of autism therapy and has a similar approach to other developmental
interventions such as Floortime, the Developmental Social-Pragmatic model and Responsive Teaching.

Instead of trying to directly alter behavior, RDI focuses on skills that normally develop in infancy and
early childhood that lead to social interaction and flexible, dynamic thinking. The RDI program provides a
path for people on the autistic spectrum to learn friendship, empathy and a love of sharing their world
with others. Equally important, RDI seeks to pave the way for future meaningful employment and an
overall "quality of life" for individuals on the spectrum.

As with many autism therapies, more research is required to establish it as a fully qualified evidence
based practice. Unlike ABA, RDI has not been experimentally verified as a proven treatment for autism.

To Any Family Considering RDI:
As a parent currently enrolled in the RDI program with Donna Grosser (familylearningsolutions.org), I have seen my son
make great social gains. I decided to dedicate a page to RDI because I strongly believe in this program. Keeping in mind that
all children with ASD are unique, I realize that what works for one child, may not work for another. However, this is a program
that teaches YOU, (the parent, the caregiver, the educator) how to work with your child and does so in a way that is distinct
from other programs. Please visit the RDI connect website (listed below) for more information.
Nicole Torres