RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTION® (RDI)

RDI® might be a good fit for your child and family if you are seeking:

A developmental approach 

RDI® explores and addresses the underlying, earliest developing foundations needed for growth in all skill areas. For example, a child can learn to regulate themselves and communicate by first experiencing felt safety, attunement and co-regulation with a trusted guide. A child can manage changes and challenges, solve problems, and make mindful decisions through navigating uncertainty and many shared experiences with their guide.

An approach that is focused on relationship

RDI® is established on the first and essential foundation for growth - the attuned, connected, and safe-feeling relationship between the child and significant adults in their life. It is within these relationships that the child learns about themselves, others and the world around them. Through these relationships, the child develops skills that help them learn and progress toward independence. 

Help with emotional regulation and attunement, social connection, communication, experience and perspective-sharing, managing uncertainty, and flexibility

RDI® helps the child regulate, engage, and learn through shared experiences by tuning in to feelings and thoughts of others; reading non-verbal cues; communicating for experience sharing and other relational purposes; and thinking in flexible ways to navigate change, challenge, and other uncertainties.

Understanding of your child's differences and why they are struggling

RDI® assists us to better understand your child's behaviour, why they might be struggling, and how to guide them through challenging moments and phases.

An approach that supports you to be the biggest difference maker for your child

RDI® is a family-focused program that offers intensive support, guidance, and education for primary caregivers. Guiding happens in the context of the parent-child relationship and everyday family life experiences. RDI® helps the caregiver tune in to how their child is experiencing the world, helps the child tune in to their parent guide, and makes guided participation and learning possible. This learning naturally extends itself to other contexts and relationships, including peers. 

Empowerment for you. Empowerment for your child

RDI® is not about the parent being the therapist, but rather equipping the parent to understand their child's needs, offer needed supports, and embrace their unique and critical role as their child's guide. Your Consultant will empower you to help your child or teen experience authentic and meaningful relationships, navigate new and dynamic experiences, and achieve increased independence. Involvement of other family members, educators and respite providers is encouraged and supported. 

RDI® Consultants:

Our speech-language pathologist, Robin Walker is a certified RDI® Program Consultant who has been offering RDI® and related supports to families since 2016. RDI® and SLP services are integrated to optimize support for those with regulation, engagement, social interaction, and communication needs. Services are offered in person and can include virtual consultation as needed. 

Our developmental consultant, Blair Armstrong has been working with Autistic children and youth, and their families since 1995. He is certified in RDI® and DIRFloortime® (https://www.icdl.com/dir), and is a PLAY Project Consultant-in-Training (https://playproject.org/). Elements of these programs are combined to best meet the needs of the individual child and family. Services are offered virtually, using a distance-based model. Occasional in-person sessions may be offered. 

Learn More:

• https://www.rdiconnect.com/about-rdi/ 
• Book a free 15-minute consultation. Email info@ssmopenminds.org or call 705-253-1157