Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) vs. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
I recently attended a two-day seminar at The University of Davis on April 4th and 5th. Steven E. Gutstein, Ph.D. was the presenter and I found his approach to working with parents and their autistic children to be fascinating.
I recently attended a two-day seminar at The University of Davis on April 4th and 5th. Steven E. Gutstein, Ph.D. was the presenter and I found his approach to working with parents and their autistic children to be fascinating.
Just prior to attending the seminar, I purchased the book, “The Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Program and Education” written by Steven Gutstein which intrigued me and I wanted to know more.
At the end of the two days, I was confused because RDI is a completely different approach to intervention than Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which we have been following since Alex was diagnosed at 18-months.
Although confused, I am convinced that this is the direction that I need to shift my energy in order to really help my son.
RDI’s approach to intervention invests in building minds not shaping behaviors (ABA) and helps parents and their children to develop the dynamic abilities needed for real-world success.
According to Steven Gutstein, RDI applies modern “best practices” for learning, invests in families first, and tailors intervention to each person’s unique needs.
Dr. Gutstein stated, “That following RDI’s Intervention Program is no different than following “Best Education Practices” and teaches parents how to “slow down the pace” and allow your child to learn and think on their own, placing emphasis on thoughtfulness not speed in processing.”
RDI helps parents and their children discover their personal potential by utilizing their thought process and allowing their brains to react to situations vs. ABA which teaches scripts and prompts autistic children on what to say and when it is appropriate to say it.
Steven Gutstein recommended that all parents read “Best Practices 3rd Edition by Today’s Standards for Teaching and Learning” and “How People Learn by The National Academics.” He also suggested visiting the following website at: www.21stcenturylearning.com (Cognitive Apprenticeship).
I asked Dr. Gutstein about how to deal with Melt-downs and he recommended, “The Explosive Child” by Ross Green.
So far, I am convinced that RDI raises the bar for Autism and I will keep you updated on our progress.
What Does Intel, GenCorp, and Sacramento Metro Arts Have in Common?
The Nonprofit Resource Center sponsored a Member Workshop called "Meet the Funders" and there were Corporate Representatives from Intel, GenCorp, Sacramento Metro Arts Commission, and CA Endowment to name a few.
They stated, "We want to give monies to Nonprofits who support learning in the areas of Math, Science, Technology, Space Travel, and The Arts.
I thought to myself, WOW! That is the Autism Community in a nutshell. This is where I would like our focus to go so we can put an end to the statistic of “Over 90% of autistic adults live with their aging parents and 87% are unemployed and uninsurable.”
I also had a wonderful conversation with Temple Grandin and we talked mostly about Independence and Self-worth. I spoke about all of my son's accomplishments which were many, one being the fact that my son was self-read and computer savvy at age three.
Temple asked, "Is he Computer Programming?" I replied no. And she said,” Why Not?" And that is what lit the fire to aspire to do more for my son. Thank you Temple!
So, I scheduled a meeting with Alex’s Teacher and the Head of Special Education for our School District. We ordered his Class Computer Programming Software and discussed ideas for future Cultural Field Trips. I also became their Official Art Docent and teach Art every Thursday.
Last year, I suggested that we order Alpha Smart Keyboards and Learn to Type Software which has become a very successful program for Al’s Classmates ranging in age of 6 to 10.
We are looking to explore future Corporate Sponsored Mentorship Programs that will focus on Cultural Field Trips, Choir Performances, Performing Arts, Computer Programming, Computer Design & Graphics, Computer Engineering, Architecture, Space Travel, Local Indian Culture, and Going Green and our Environment.
I am also very concerned about the rise in Bipolar & Autism। I hope that together, we can unveil our children's strengths and understand their weaknesses so we can help them find their greatness in their own world as well as ours.
Get involved with your child’s future and advocate for quality education. Become a Mentor and give back!
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