2-day Introductory Workshop

Overview of the Certification Program

Why do parents need RDI® Program Certified Consultants?

Although the RDI® Program is a parent-based model, parents need consultants for several reasons. Certified Consultants must administer the Relationship Development Assessment™ to determine system readiness, which stage to begin working on, identify obstacles and strengths, and determine how best to work with each individual family. Parents also need a Certified Consultant to coach them as they work with their son or daughter, to give them feedback, suggestions on framing activities, and to help them fine-tune their interactions with their child. Each family is different, and Certified Consultants learn different styles to help parents coach their children.

Who is Certification for?

Most of our Certified Consultants are already working in the field of autism. Many have a background in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, psychology or ABA. While some professionals decide to exclusively offer RDI®, other professionals continue their current services, such as OT, PT, or Speech. Certification is an advanced clinical program and many professionals we have certified already have graduate degrees or have done post-doctoral work in their field. A bachelor's degree is the minimal academic requirement.

Parents who want to become certified must first do an RDI® Program with their own child through an RDI® Program Certified Consultant for a minimum of six months.

Each application is considered on an individual basis, includes a background check, and a $50 USD non-refundable processing fee.

What is involved in the Certification Process?

The Certification process includes completion of three, 4-day intensive training seminars, supervision done via videotape and demonstration of proficiency in the Relationship Development Assessment™ (RDA™). Each consultant-in-training will be required to submit video footage with two families - a supervision family and a case presentation family. The process generally takes 12-18 months.

Why do the training to become certified?

Certified Consultants:

• have the most up-to-date understanding of the RDI® Program. Certification assures your clients you possess a demonstrated competence in the theory and practice of RDA™ and the RDI® Program.
• gain experience with expert, professional supervision.
• receive prominent attention on our website and participate in our referral system.
• function as adjunct faculty during parent and professional training workshops.
• have access to our professional message board and on-going support from a group of like-minded colleagues.
• enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they are making fundamental changes in the child's neurology and their family life and receive tremendous gratification from parents for opening the door to a better future for their child.
• Even before they are certified, many of our Consultants have a considerable wait list.

Many professionals claim to be doing the RDI® Program, without going through the certification process. But, if administered incorrectly, it can do more harm than good.

What will I learn in the Certification courses?

The Certification process will allow you to be a "chef" and customize your intervention for each child and family rather than "micro waving" a methodology. You will learn:

• the underlying concepts and theory of RDI®;
• how to analyze family readiness including optimal coaching styles for parents and children;
• how to frame activities, scaffold and spotlight effectively;
• how to help families understand autism and RDI® so you can be an effective educator and prepare them for the process;
• how to coach parents, help them when they get stuck and become a good consultant;
• how to administer the RDA™ effectively;
• how to develop highly effective customized intervention plans.

How much does it cost?

Certification fees are $9,240 USD. We find most professionals recoup their investment in the training very quickly and many have waiting lists even before completing certification. Prices subject to change. Note: the Professional Seminars are all conducted in Houston and fees do not include transportation or accommodations.

Is becoming an RDI® Program Certified Consultant for me?

Typically, the professionals we have certified:

• have been working with children on the spectrum for some time and have developed genuinely caring relationships with the parents and children they work with;
• are already considered very successful, and have already helped many families;
• despite their fine reputations, have felt dissatisfied with their limited success, from the perspective of being able to look down the line and see what is in store for the children and families they've worked with;
• want more from their careers than they have been obtaining. They are not satisfied with just a good reputation in the community when they know inside they are not being as effective as they could be.
• no matter what their previous clinical background, feel a strong need to significantly increase their effectiveness, and to feel even more competent in helping more families;
• judge themselves by the results they're getting, feel self-confident enough to acknowledge their limitations, and have a desire and willingness to learn more;
• are not afraid to put themselves in an apprentice position and feel enthusiastic about experiencing some productive uncertainty in order to significantly increase their competence;
• want to learn methods which they can then adapt and continue to customize and develop; are not interested in a "cookie-cutter," one-size-fits-all approach;
• have a desire to offer unique services which makes them stand out from the "crowd" of providers in their community;
• want to provide leadership in their organization or community;
• want their past learning and experience to be valued, and recognized as solid assets which can be built on.
• have already been intuitively using RDI® Program principles and methods in their work;
• are interested in being a part of a movement that still has lots of room for growth and where they can make a significant contribution;
• want to be part of shaping the future of the RDI® Program and feel excited knowing they can develop to any level they wish and not be restricted.
• feel excited about being on the 'cutting edge' of a clinical intervention for autism which is based on solid research;
• have frequently been the best clinicians in their field.

2-day Introductory Workshop