Forging New Pathways - All Comments

re: Autism and Seizures: Part 1 - Our Story

Amy Lukos — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:30:41 GMT

I have been sending families to this doctor for about an year and he is amazing. I have been a Certified Consultant for 6 years. One thing I want to add is the importance of how not only getting the right doctor and right meds, but also keeping up with RDI too. One thing that this Dr. recommends is a home based program, specifically RDI. I have learned from families like Laurel's that if a child is stuck on objectives, loses the objective or is unable to move on to advanced objectives, there is a medical reason. I have used RDI objectives to help the dr. understand the child better, to map progress and keep track of how the meds are working. I had one child that had finally mastered the non-verbal objectives and referencing, but "lost" all of these abilities once the medication was slightly raised. This also happens when the child grows or gains weight and the dose might need to be raised. The Dr. lowered or raised the dose and the child regained the objectives!! I have an interesting child that was unable to keep going on RDI objectives, so I sent him to this Dr. He was diagnosed and treated for seizures, had biofeedback and now is starting to come back to RDI. But for now I am going with this family to the Dr. and using RDI objectives to track his progress and to further figure out additional medical treatments and medications to help him. The things I watch out for are: loss of objectives or inconsistency of mastering objectives. Usually the objectives that I am seeing the kids with seizures not able to master are: the non-verbal objectives and referencing. Verbal language is also affected as well. Most of these types of kids have cognitive issues. There is an amazing difference between the kids that are just on meds and the kids that are on meds and doing RDI.

re: Love Isn't Always Enough

Donna Huntebrinker — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:24:46 GMT

I can totally relate to this story! I love my son so much it hurts at times and when I see him react to situations the way he does at times makes me feel like a total failure and wishing I had some answers. My husband (he adopted Austin this past year so they're not biological) who loves Austin but they have a very strained relationship (who gets mom is a big issue and you can see and feel the tension so often...help!!!!!) But for the Grace of God go I and I know that my strength comes from Him! God bless!

re: Welcome!

Sandy Scheers — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:06:36 GMT

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re: Welcome!

Sandy Scheers — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:41:31 GMT

Hi Dr. G and Hannah,

This is awesome and I have to get John to put my picture up here for us; I am www challenged;-) I have to get this in my bookmarks too! I will have lots of stories but have to go clean the kitchen. So exciting!

Sandy (Scheers) if you remember me.

re: Welcome!

April Boden — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:44:10 GMT

Thanks for creating this blog. I'm looking forward to all the latest.

re: The Intellectual Baby

Jessica Hobson — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:58:44 GMT

Thank you, Hannah, for such a beautiful description. For anyone interested in a more detailed book on precisely this topic which (as a parent and RDI Consultant and developmental researcher) I found moving and fascinating, please see 'the Philosophical Baby: what children's minds tell us about truth, love and the meaning of life' by Alison Gopnik.

re: The Intellectual Baby

Hannah Gutstein — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:48:42 GMT

For anyone interested in the New York Times article where this study was published, please visit this link: www.nytimes.com/.../16gopnik.html

re: The Intellectual Baby

Michelle — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:04:42 GMT

This was intersting. However, I would like to read more about this study and am unable to find where it was published- or anything else about it for that matter.

re: The Intellectual Baby

Michelle Stantial — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:04:32 GMT

This was intersting. However, I would like to read more about this study and am unable to find where it was published- or anything else about it for that matter.

re: The Intellectual Baby

Zoe Thompson — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:36:58 GMT

I really appreciate being kept up to date with research of this kind. Hannah did the researchers draw any conclusions about the implications of interaction for the development of dynamic thinking?

re: Goal Slackers

Laura DeAngelo — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:08:51 GMT

The RDI Learning System is so great for me! I started out as an RDI parent "back in the day" before the RDIls. I was a goal slacker extraordinaire. I also was frustrated at not being able to see the "forest for the trees" - not being able to see all the objectives in all the stages, not being able to see where we were headed on our journey, and the steps along the way. How much more disciplined an RDI parent would I have been with the RDIls! Now, as a consultant, this system keeps me and my clients organized. Families know exactly what they need to do for an assignment and what we will be covering next, because it's all spelled out under the current objective assigned on the system. They know exactly what they need to do for mastery of an objective or lesson. I and my families can view the complete history of their progress, organized logically and chronologically, at any time. Families can go back and review any prior material, including e-courses, at any time. I love the RDI Learning System!

re: Goal Slackers

Deirdre Hickey Sturm — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:13:04 GMT

Goal Slackers Unite! The RDI Learning System keeps me honest, so that I am guiding families to go in the direction that leads to the goals that we have. You are right that goals are hard, to remember what you are going after in the day to day. Especially when there are great songs to download and dog toys to buy, it is hard to remember to save for a trip. And when your family is dealing with raising children, it is easy to let go of moving in the direction of your goals in the day to day life. The RDI LS supports families in being mindful of goals, so they can achieve them

re: Welcome!

Deirdre Hickey Sturm — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:05:04 GMT

I am looking forward to the blog. Look forward to getting to know you and your dad through the blog.

re: Welcome!

April Choulat — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:22:11 GMT

Hi Hannah!

I LOVE the new site! I'm really looking forward to your blog and the features of the new site. Gotta go explore, keep up the great work!

April Choulat, RDI Program Certified Consultant

re: Welcome!

Susan Hudkins — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:49:38 GMT

Dr. Gutstein and Hannah - this is awesome!!! I love the new website and the blog option is so great to have, as well! Can't wait to use it more in the future.

What a wonderful way to connect families and professionals, and just those interested in dynamic intelligence development, to our RDI community.

Gotta go view the rest of the website - this is so great,

Susan Hudkins, Chicago area RDI Parent and CIT