RDIconnect® Blog
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Volunteering – Not a Thing of the Past
Volunteering builds a work ethic and puts feet to compassion.
Guiding Relationship: What Experts Say
Experts say that parents play THE primary role in mental, self and neural development.
A Dad Finds Hope with RDI
For roughly 4 hours, I completely forgot that I had two special needs kiddos…Read this dad’s story on how RDI turned his family around.
A Different Kind of Summer
This summer plan to slow down your routine and with your great kid…
Caregivers as Guides
When a Guiding Relationship is functioning, it becomes a collaborative dance…
RDI From A Mother’s Perspective
RDI is NOT a therapy.
Social Disengagement in Autism
…infants diagnosed with ASD at 36 months were rated by their parents as less cuddly and less likely to smile…
RDI®: Going Slow
Mindful parenting sounds so easy, however, it is hard work and takes a long time to master.
Parents Can Make A Difference
We want to stand with other families to say that our children bring much good to their families and communities.
The Special Role of Parent as MindGuides
Initially, only parents can provide an optimal balance of safety and challenge…
Interview with A Renaissance Man
In this video, Dr. Sheely interviews an RDI® student about how RDI® has helped him to pursue a wide range of hobbies like cooking, choir, knitting, and poetry.
Beyond Awareness: Week 2
Autism is neither good nor bad. It just exists, and it’s up to us…
Autism Advocacy: Beyond Awareness
So…once they have your attention, then what?
A Different Easter
Spring not only comes in the temporal world but to the world of autism as well.
The Face is the Window to the Soul
You know the old saying that the eyes are the window to the soul? Don’t believe it!
Avoid Overcompensating for Communication Issues
Often parents do most of the “work” in keeping the social exchange going.
Thinking Beyond Eye Contact: Part 1
In teaching children with ASD to visually reference, it is important to understand and respect why they may look away.
Dynamic Communication Tips
The more you prompt eye contact, the more you are taking away your database…
Humor as Communication
Jokes can be tricky, especially for a person on the spectrum.
Declarative Language
Children with ASD do not need language models that lead to the development of instrumental…
Using RDI for Non-Speaking Children with Profound Movement Disorder
What I have seen these children overcome speaks volumes…
Autism: Is Speech the Most Important Focus?
Speech is really just a symbol for what parents crave: communication that brings real connection.
There Are No Shortcuts
There are no shortcuts for guiding our children. Like you, we wish there were. But the functions and payoff of communication are well worth the effort and time they require.
Experience Sharing Communication
Reciprocal communication impacts a person’s ability to think, remember and relate.
Why we Focus on Communication
RDI’s Family Consultation Program work on building communication through many channels.
The Most Important Thing
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – P. Drucker
The Ultimate Goal of RDI
Our unique advantage is we can actually develop the mental processes of our children…
Recognizing Resiliency
By reflecting on these small successes, parents also build resiliency AND motivation to continue on their paths.
Helping Your Child to Learn to Solve Problems
Guides recognize that learning, and from there competence, comes with doing. It comes with struggling, thinking, failing and succeeding. Guides recognize their ability to make the most of regular ole’ interactions when they focus on spotlighting problems rather than solutions.
Answering a Child’s Questions about Autism
The main thing that makes Autism better is if we can teach your brain to work in a more connected way.
Making Decisions
Decisions like this are often made irrationally, only using the emotional aspect of the brain…
The Concept of Spotlighting
The aim is to encode a memory of being a competent decision maker…
The Joys of the Classic Paper Route
While he cannot tell me through speech that he feels proud of himself, it is clear to me from his actions…
RDI and Telehealth
Though house calls went out of favor years ago, they are experiencing a resurgence of sorts in the form of Telehealth…
Progress Made Because of RDI
Before we started on RDI, Nat was afraid of new environments.
Communicating Effectively with Extended Family
The holidays can be a time to show appreciation and give thanks…
Finding Moments of Joy this Holiday Season
RDI reminds us to plan for involving our children in these rituals, and helps us remember…
My Teenage Son
The following was shared by RDI mom, Bernadette Z. who works with consultant, Paulette Cormier I first met our RDI consultant when I was feeling somewhat lost with how to help my 16-year-old son...
Staying Regulated Amid Holiday Chaos
The holidays are such a special and enjoyable time of year, but they can also be incredibly stressful!
Holiday Gift Ideas and Activities for You and Your Autistic Child
Gift ideas for autistic children from Dr. Rachelle Sheely, founder of RDI®. And other creative activities to do with your child to celebrate the season!
Gratitude: an Antidote to Selfishness
Being thankful is not only relevant, but an antidote to selfishness that can foster resilience and empathy…
Autism and Vantage Resistance
Research is bringing additional vocabulary to our understanding of what is happening in the brains of persons with ASD…
Previewing and Planning for the Holiday Season
Trying to fit in too many special holiday events creates stress and can set off meltdowns for apprentices (and guides!).
Our Focus on Training Professionals
RDI is exploding around the world and we know we must keep up and adapt our training for different cultures and languages.
Developing the Brain through MindGuiding
Research tells us that the Guiding Relationship opens the door for learning!