Pathways Treatment Center - Frequently Asked Questions

Pathways Treatment Center, Inc.

Helping Children and Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Frequently Asked Questions
Question	Answer
What is Autism?	Autism is a complex neurological disorder. There are many disorders and symptom that co-occur with autism, but these are not central to being classified on the autism spectrum. Some of the co-occurring disorders include: Speech and language deficits Central auditory processing disorder Motor planning difficulties Poor attention spans Nutritional deficiencies Learning disabilities Poor emotional regulation Unusual repetitive and stereotypical behaviors Seizures Allergies Keep in mind that autism is not simply a cluster of symptoms, but rather a neurological disorder with a core deficit in the ability to function in dynamic systems. The primary disorder of autism is the desire to remain in static systems in a dynamic world. Autism affects approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1000 births in the United States. The number of people being diagnosed with Autism has increased dramatically in the past 10 years. Boys are 4 times more likely to have Autism than girls. Approximately 10,000 people in North Carolina have Autism.
What is Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)?	RDI is a systematic, developmental intervention intended to help people with Autism to develop and maintain rewarding relationships with other people. Rather than emphasizing only specific skills, RDI emphasizes the motivations and reasons behind the use of those skills. RDI teaches functions and skills in cumulative, integrated and motivating ways that encourage and require competence from the person with autism. RDI is meant to be implemented by the family of the child with autism and incorporated into the lifestyle of that family. The role of the therapist in RDI is to provide guidance and suggestions to help customize RDI for the family. Typically the family will meet with the therapist no more than once a week, and often feedback is conveyed via video taped feedback.
Who Developed RDI?	RDI was developed by Dr. Steven Gutstein and his wife Dr. Rachelle Sheely of the Connections Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Gutstein's first book, "Solving the Relationship Puzzle" is the best starting point for people interested in RDI. The Connections Center website is an excellent resource, filled with information and ideas about RDI. Dr. Gutstein and Dr. Sheely continue to develop and research RDI. Dr. Gutstein's outcome research on RDI is available to download from the Connections Center website.
What is the Relationship Development Assessment (RDA)?	The Relationship Development Assessment is a multi-step assessment that provides information about the child's current level of functioning. It also provides the provider and the family a wealth of information that will help them customize an RDI program for that child. The RDA 1 is set up for one parent and the child to participate in a variety of activities that are videotaped and reviewed for information. During the RDA 2, the examiner and child participate in "hypothesis testing" to determine where to begin an RDI program, and finally, the RDA 3 is set up so that the parent, child and examiner work as a team to determine initial RDI goals. The RDA provides the parents with an initial treatment plan and activities to begin RDI with their child.
What is the "RDI Lifestyle"?	It takes many hours of practice to develop the unconscious execution of the foundational skills emphasized through RDI. Taking advantage of the opportunities for experience sharing throughout the day is the most effective way to achieve the necessary this massed practice. A firm understanding of the principles and theory behind RDI allows families to implement specific techniques to enhance experience sharing while enjoying the time spent with their child. A Certified RDI Therapist helps families to understand RDI as well as how to best develop a customized program that fits the needs of their child.
What are some places/times RDI can be done throughout the day?	Places to practice during the day Driving in the car Eating meals Getting dressed Brushing teeth Taking a bath Shopping mall Gardening/yard work Laundry Caring for pet Dancing lessons Reading together Sweeping the floor Washing the car Packing lunch Grocery shopping Setting the table Dusting Changing the sheets Standing in line Preparing meals Taking a walk Reviewing the day Bedtime routine Knowing the child's developmental level and the specific functions to spotlight are key to understanding how to make the daily routine the most important aspect of the RDI Program.

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