Professionals talk about the Re-Certification Process

Linda Andron, LCSW, RDI® Program Certified Consultant:

Ok, so you are saying to yourself, 'I just finished the Certification process and now I have to do it again'. I must admit that I was daunted when I first looked at the list of things that needed to be done for Re-certification. I knew that we had been working on all of these things and that I was speaking about them weekly to both parents and in our Sunday group support sessions. The family had been doing well as evidenced by the child’s progress through Stage one, as seen in times when I was present with them and their tapes, as well as reports of generalization from teachers.

When I read the list of what I needed to document, I at first thought 'Oh, we are doing all that.' But when I first sat them down to talk, I realized that they were not really grasping the concepts. They had some of the jargon that made it seem like they understood. Working through the check list helped me to realize the areas that they were struggling with; and Dad and I then created a form which has helped them and others. Of course, the things they were finding most difficult and that I was struggling the hardest to explain, have turned out to be things that Dr. Gutstein is in the process of revising, so I guess we were not the only family and consultant that were struggling. But even in this case, the process of evaluating how I was trying to teach these things helped me to understand why they were difficult.

As I approach the next year, with RDI 3.0 and maybe 4.0 by my next Re-certification, I am going to document sessions with families as I go which I hope will make it smoother . As things continue to grow and change in this “dynamic system,” we run the risk of becoming too “static,” if we do not evaluate how we are doing and how we are integrating the changes to make things easier for the families.

Kim Downey, B.S. (Physical Therapy), NDT Certification, RDI® Program Certified Consultant:

"When I received a letter from Dr. Sheely around this time last year requesting a case presentation that documented a specific list of criteria, it provided me with an opportunity to revisit the way I was working with and training families. As we all know, the RDI® Program is a “dynamic system,” and it is constantly evolving. I was able to take a look at what Dr. Sheely and Dr. Gutstein were currently considering to be the most important aspects of the RDI program, and to think about how that fit in with what I was already doing, and how I could improve. It helped me redefine the way I approached the fourth day of the RDA process–the wrap-up consultation, in particular–where the families and I discuss the plan and recommendations based on information gathered during the previous three sessions. Since one year’s time had elapsed from the end of my professional feedback and training, it was of course reassuring to receive feedback from Dr. Sheely that she felt I continued to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the principles of the RDI® Program. 

Not only did the feedback provide me with a measure of confidence concerning my work, but I believe it assisted the families with whom I was working with a measure of confidence as well, that I was keeping up to date with the latest advancements in the RDI® Program.  

Carmen Gendel Augustin, MSW, LCSW, RDI® Program Certified Consultant:

I have completed Re-certification and am currently in the process of putting together my Re-certification materials for my third year.

As you work toward Certification you value the supervision as the integral component to move from theory to practice. Given the dynamic nature of the RDI® Program, Re-certification continues that process. In my experience, it was so very helpful to answer the questions generated in the Re-certification process and to review my work in a way that could illuminate those answers. Being held to a standard consistent with Connections Center is important to me as a clinician. It assures my families and my colleagues that I am keeping current with the principles and protocol of the RDI™ program. The guidance and feedback received was invaluable. Master–Apprentice is a key element in the RDI®Program. Re-certification is a powerful opportunity to engage that relationship.

Sarah Honda, RDI® Program Certified Consultant:

Why do consultants need to re-certify? Because we live in a dynamic world! One of the goals in RDI® is to help individuals on the Autism Spectrum feel competence in our dynamic and ever-changing world. As an RDI® Consultant, we also need to lead by example and keep up to date in the dynamic world of Autism. Research is constantly evolving in the field of autism and because of new developments, the RDI® Program must evolve with it.

When I was putting my Re-certification requirements together, I found myself investing more time into reviewing the chat transcripts, going over the various posts on the message boards, re-attending workshops with Dr. Gutstein and Dr. Sheely to ensure that I was presenting the most up-to-date information to my clients. Because every individual with an ASD is unique, consultants must be current on RDI® Program developments in order to find the most optimal way of customizing our support of each individual. By keeping up with the latest RDI® developments, I can keep improving the way in which I guide parents and they can therefore become better guides to their children.

Because research is being conducted everyday in the field of autism and child development, and at the Relationship Development Research Institute, RDI® Consultants need to keep informed of the most current research as well as how it is applied to the RDI® Program. In order to be proficient in these areas and to improve our understanding of these changes and how to apply them to our consultations with our families, it’s important that each RDI® Consultant pass yearly Re-certifications.

Sue Lindhorst, M.A., CCC-SLP, RDI® Certified Consultant:

Initially, when I was told of the RDI® Re-certification process I thought it was just one of those technical "hoops" that we sometimes have to jump through to reach our ultimate objective. However, after completing it I realized I had a more focused picture of where I was in my RDI® journey and what I had accomplished. Sometimes I am so busy "doing" that I don't get an opportunity to reflect on what I've done. The Re-certification process made me take that time and it was productive.

It also offered me a time for clarification of my own thoughts.  For some reason, when you have to explain to someone else, why and how you're doing something it clarifies it in your own mind.

I also found the process beneficial in further developing myself as a Certified Consultant. I had spent so much time learning the RDA® scoring, administration and understanding all the RDI® Program concepts and ensuring that my observations were accurate, that the last thing on my list was how to support my families through their journey. The questions posed in the Re-certification process were a great help in identifying areas of excellence as well as areas that I need to further develop.

I know how busy we all, are but I would recommend Re-certification. Not just to jump through the proverbial "hoop" but because we deserve an opportunity to reflect on our own efforts. The Re-certification process gives us that opportunity in a structured way.

Maisie Soetantyo, B.A. (Psychology), RDI® Certified Consultant:

I have been a certified RDI® Consultant for over four years, and the RDI® Program has brought great things to the families I have worked with. One important element that the RDI® Program has brought into my practice is the ability to work closer with parents, and to follow my kids's progress beyond the age of 6 to 8 years old. The RDI® Program has opened so many more doors to our families, to connect with other families and to learn from each other. I have never seen parents so excited with an intervention the way they have been with RDI®. With the RDI® Program I truly learn from each child and his/her family and vise versa. All I can say is over the past two years the RDI® Program has evolved to become better and more user-friendly to Consultants and parents.

Getting myself updated through the yearly Re-certification allows me to learn the latest information and changes. Not only my RDI® 'functions and skills' are getting checked, it's also an opportunity for me to receive additional feedback from the Connections Center.