This is the title of my August article for Autism Today. After my July article, “What’s in an Acronym?” I began, more intently than ever, to research RDI treatment. Relationship Development Intervention is, I believe, the most complete training that exists for someone on the spectrum. One of the best elements about RDI is that the entire family learns right along with the person who has an ASD.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders are so much more than what most people realize and, at the same time, Autistic Spectrum Disorders are so much less. For example, on one hand, people with ASD’s are often thought of as being “unable” or ‘weak” when the exact opposite is usually the case. On the other hand, people with ASD’s are often regarded as being “too much trouble” when they are often the most willing helpers available.

It’s figuring out the magical “formula” to connect with people on the spectrum that leaves most of us struggling. This is where RDI comes in. I’m thrilled to say that I am on my way to learning more about RDI daily and even more thrilled to announce that I intend to become an RDI Certified Consultant in the very near future – after completing treatments with my son under an RDI Certified Consultant that I hope to be working with soon.



80 Responses to “RDI: Not Just Another Acronym”

  1. Kelly Brown Says:

    Great post! I’ll subscribe right now wth my feedreader software!

  2. JaneRadriges Says:

    Hi, very nice post. I have been wonder’n bout this issue,so thanks for posting

  3. KattyBlackyard Says:

    The article is very good. Write please more.

  4. GarykPatton Says:

    I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.

  5. Rhonda Spellman Says:

    For my column, Beyond The Spectrum, I wrote an article that covered my conversation with Dr. Stacy Goresko, certified RDI (r) consultant. As soon as I have the link for the August article I will post it.
    In the meantime, fifteen authors contribute to the Autism at Home Series, a monthly publication that is like a ‘Monthly Autism Conference’ – all wrapped up in one huge newsletter. The June issue is 40 (8 1/2 X 11) pages.
    Also, for a limited time, if you enroll online you will receive over $385 worth of valuable FREE bonuses including The Official Autism 101 Manual eBook and nine audio seminars from some of the most sought after Autism experts in the world!
    For more information go to http://AutismAtHomeSeries.com

  6. Tina Says:

    This is an amazing article. I hope you will write more on this interesting but little known treatment.

  7. Marcia Says:

    I’ve been reading a bit about this and wondering about whether this really works or not. Thanks for the information.

  8. CrisBetewsky Says:

    I’m glad that after surfing the web for uch a long time I have found out this information. I’m really lucky.

  9. Zack Says:

    Thanks for post.

  10. Farerase Says:

    Hey! Muchas gracias!

  11. Margaret Says:

    Thank you. This was very helpful.

  12. Asura Says:

    I want to say – thank you for this blog.

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  14. Corri Says:

    Hope that your blog will always be alive.

  15. Olena Says:

    It is the coolest site, keep up the great work!

  16. Tina Says:

    I want to say – thank you for this

  17. Patrice Says:

    Thank you for this information.

  18. Marge Says:

    Thanks for the contribution!!!

  19. Vanessa Says:

    Thanks so much!

  20. Virginia Says:

    Your blog is so informative. Thanks so much!

  21. Daffny Says:

    Thanks for your work!

  22. Eileen Says:

    Thanks so much for your efforts!

  23. Raina Says:

    U R God-sent.. THANKS!!!

  24. Annette Says:

    Great thank You!
    Good job :)

  25. Candy Says:

    Very nice! Thank you so much!

  26. Terri Says:

    Thank you very much.

  27. Heidi Says:

    This is great!

  28. Danielle Says:

    Great site. Keep going!

  29. Sandy Says:

    This is the coolest site about autism ever, keep it up.

  30. Connie Says:

    I congratulate you on your research. What words to know… a magnificent idea to have them listed this way!!!

  31. Rusty Says:

    Nice blog! Very interesting themes. I will always read it. Also e-mailed on rss.

  32. Tasha Says:

    Rhonda, I LOVE your work! Thank youuuuu!!! =)

  33. Marti Says:

    Love you bunches! Thankx for all that you are doing!!! ((hugs))

  34. Denice Says:

    Great post! Thanks a bunch for this!

  35. Corrine Says:

    Thanks for this! What a great article. I need all the help I can get and, since I live pretty near Boulder, I am going to connect with Dr. Goresko.

  36. Demetrie Says:

    VERY COOL…!!!!

  37. Lynette Says:

    Thank you so much!

  38. Fran Says:

    A BIG Thanks for your continued contribution.

  39. Maggie Says:

    Wonderful post! Thanks!

  40. Fern Says:

    I’ve been looking for these types of articles forever. Thanks!

  41. Melonie Says:

    I have become your admirer. As a mom with a child on the spectrum I seek positive, encouraging advice. Your articles are both and more. Thank you!

  42. Rose Marine Says:

    Thank you for sharing this information!

  43. Corrine Says:

    You have a great blog!

  44. Valorie Says:

    Nice blog!

  45. Annie Says:

    Hey, thanks for this posting! Thank you for your entire website.

  46. Gerald Says:

    Thanks. This is informative and helpful.

  47. Vandy Says:

    I bookmarked this link. Thank you for a good job

  48. Natalie Says:

    Thanks for the great recipes. You should add a few more because I’ve tried them all now.

  49. Kathryn Says:

    Thanks for your informative site.

  50. Sally Says:

    Thank you!I’ve been searching for this everywhere for this information. Keep up the good work!

  51. Francie Says:

    Good Job Rhonda. I’m going to share your list with my mom’s group. We enjoyed your talk immensely earlier this year and would love to have you back again. I’ll be in touch soon.

  52. Joanie Says:

    Good Job!!

  53. Donna Says:

    Hey Rhonda, Just wanted to say that it was great to see you Saturday! WOW… congratulations on everything!!! I tried to talk to you but could never get close to your table. Thanks for sharing your updates with the entire group – you were the highlight of the program. I can’t wait to see your TV series!!! Also – PLEASE let me know if there is anything at all that I can do to help you!!!

  54. Doris Says:

    Thanks for your outreach Rhonda. I have enjoyed learning from you for a long time. Your programs are so passionate. It’s very helpful to see your dedication.

  55. Betz Says:

    Great site. Keep doing your work for your son. It will help others.

  56. Inez Says:

    This is the coolest site. Keep up the good work.

  57. Gayla Says:

    Awesome!

  58. Francine Says:

    Thanx for all that you are doing!

  59. Fiona Says:

    Thank you soooooo much for this post! I’ve been really confused about the different treatment options for Autism and this cleared things up for me a lot.

  60. Diane Says:

    Thank you soooooo much for taking the time to share this information.

  61. Shelly Says:

    AWESOME! Great job on this article. This helps a lot.

  62. Shauna Says:

    Thank you very much for your articles. You were recommended by my son’s teacher and I feel like your understanding of Autism is much greater than my son’s therapist. I hope that you’ll come to Pine Lane (Parker) and share your programs there.
    Regards!!

  63. Martha Says:

    Thanks a lot for your blog. I’m learning a lot and watching for your book!

  64. Arna Says:

    Thanks so much! I’ve looked everywhere for this! You’re amazing!

  65. Margo Says:

    Thanks so much! I heard about you from my friend Deb who went to your program in Amarillo. I really like your blog and home that you’re coming back to Texas SOON! You’re amazing!

    Margo – I have a program in Friona on October 19th at the Pens and Pages Writer’s Guild. You could connect with Darla Braken for full details at 806-265-5011. – Rhonda

  66. DonniesDad Says:

    Thank you very much, bookmarked this website! thanks!!!!

  67. Twila Says:

    Thank you for this post. My friend Sharla told me about it. We’ve been thinking about RDI for our son. Did you know that 1 out of every 100 children will now be diagnosed with Autism?

  68. Marti Says:

    Totally awesome article! Thanks a TON!

  69. Tori Says:

    Thank you so much for this article. I think that this is exactly what I need to do! You are an angel Rhonda.

  70. Penny Says:

    This one is great article / blog!!!

  71. Lenny Says:

    You have a very cool nice site.

  72. Ethan Says:

    Thank you for this informative blog.

  73. Patti Darnnel Says:

    Autismwithrhonda.com is very informative. The articles are very professionally written. I enjoy reading autismwithrhonda.com every day.

  74. Ziggy Says:

    Great site. Keep doing

  75. Clerry Says:

    Great information on this post. I’ve been looking into RDI but didn’t fully understand it until I read your article.

  76. Teresa Says:

    VERY interesting article. We’ve been searching for the right therapy and your article was just what we needed to hear!

    –Thank you Teresa. Please keep me posted.

  77. Joelle Says:

    Very interesting article. Thanks for your work on this.

  78. Isaac Says:

    Thank you for this great post.

  79. Charlie Says:

    Great information. Thank you Rhonda. I’ve learned a lot from your website.

  80. Alex Says:

    Amazing amount of information with this post. You obviously put a lot of research into this.

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