Relationship Development Intervention, or RDI, is an intervention created by Drs Steve Gutstein and Rachelle Sheely that focuses on the core issues of autism, such as communication, relationship abilities, creative thinking, higher level thought, and flexibility.

RDI rebuilds the brain pathway that is weak in autism by using various games and activities. It's done throughout the day with regular everyday activities, and also via sessions specific to RDI activities.

RDI can be done with almost all children and adults on the autism spectrum, regardless of level of functioning, age, or verbal abilities. In fact, nonverbal children often do very well with this method, because language does not present an obstacle in the early stages.

This is one of my favorite interventions, because it doesn't “skirt around” the central issues of autism by just building other compensatory skills, but rather, deals with these central issues quite directly. This very different approach looks very promising for the future of autism. Website: www.rdiconnect.com 

- Sandra Sinclair, Autismvoice.com

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