Thinking about becoming a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) consultant?
Gaining your RDI® qualification gives you the unique chance to make a real difference in the lives of autistic individuals or those with developmental delays.
But how do you get certified? What steps do you need to take? That’s exactly what we’re here to answer. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to earn your RDI® Professional Certification and start changing lives for the better.
What is an RDI® consultant?
RDI® consultants work closely with parents and caregivers to guide them in supporting their child’s growth in meaningful ways. They help parents understand the unique needs of their child—-starting with an assessment that provides a full picture of the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and developmental challenges.
An RDI® consultant works with parents to create a personalized program that fits the family’s lifestyle. They guide parents to rethink daily routines and provide safe yet challenging opportunities for their child’s mental development.
Consultants meet with families in person and collaborate through the RDI® Learning Community—offering feedback, objectives, and annual assessments to ensure ongoing progress and success.
How to become qualified as an RDI® consultant
Becoming an RDI® consultant is a straightforward process. The first step is to complete the RDIconnect® Online Training Program where you will learn the latest research on brain development and autism, and the unique approach of Relationship Development intervention.
Next, you’ll learn how to run the RDIconnect® Family Consultation Program, where you’ll put your skills into practice under the watchful guidance of an expert RDI supervisor. This hands-on training gives you real-world experience working directly with families.
What makes RDI® different from other training models
RDI® training stands out from other autism remediation models by helping parents and professionals guide children in building meaningful relationships. It focuses on key areas of development, including:
- Emotional regulation
- Episodic memory
- Rapid attention-shifting
- Self-awareness
- Appraisal
- Executive functioning
- Flexible thinking
- Creative problem solving
- Communication and social skills
Who is the RDIconnect® Online Training Program right for?
RDI® consultants come from all sorts of backgrounds, with professionals from 31 countries around the world. Relationship Development Intervention might be a good fit for:
- Psychologists
- Therapists and counselors
- Social Workers
- SLPs
- BCBAs
- Teachers, special education teachers, and school directors
Some consultants gained their RDI® certification after working with their own children and their consultants—seeing firsthand the positive impact the approach had on their own child’s development.
Are there any requirements for the course?
Yes, there are a few criteria you’ll need to meet in order to move forward with your RDI® qualifications. These include:
- Having a bachelor’s degree in any field
- Reading the RDI® Book before applying
- Submitting your completed Certification Application to RDIconnect®.
Note: If you’re a parent of a child with ASD, you don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree to apply for RDIconnect®. But you do need to have worked with an RDI® Certified Consultant for at least 6 months, who’ll need to provide a recommendation letter on your behalf.
What to expect: Overview of The RDI® Professional Training Program
Becoming an RDI® consultant is an exciting, multi-step process that combines theory with hands-on experience. Here’s a breakdown of the training journey:
Step #1: RDIconnect® Professional Training Course Part I
Through online training, you’ll learn all about the foundational knowledge behind RDI® and how it helps people on the autism spectrum.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding autism and its causes
- Learning about dynamic intelligence (how the brain processes and responds to the world)
- Getting involved in the RDI® learning community for peer support
- Learning how to choose activities that support a growth mindset
- Understanding regulatory patterns and assessing client progress
- Plus: This part of the training also includes lectures, role-playing, and lots of discussion to help you grasp these concepts.
Step #2: Professional supervision
Next, you’ll gain hands-on experience with two families, guided by an expert RDI® Training Supervisor. Through 14 real-world projects, you’ll apply your knowledge, get direct feedback, and sharpen your skills.
Step #3: Professional Training Course Part II: Advanced Seminar
Once you’ve gained hands-on experience, it’s time to level up! This advanced course builds on what you’ve learned so far, covering:
- Handling dyads (working with both the child and their family)
- Developing personal accountability in your work
- Understanding ethics and standards in consulting
- Tackling difficult cases with confidence
- Marketing your new RDI consulting business
- Using advanced Family Consultation Program tools
- Setting professional goals and planning for the future
Step #4: Recertification
Each year, you’ll renew your certification to stay current with the latest RDI® methods. It’s a simple way to keep growing and ensuring the best support for the families you work with.
Ready to make a real impact?
RDI® Professional Certification will help you be able to make a bigger impact in the lives of autistic children—and their families. You’ll partner with parents and caregivers to help support their child’s growth in meaningful, lasting ways. If this sounds like the right path for you, now’s the perfect time to take that first step.
The next US training course starts March of 2025. To get started, simply fill out this short form to request a certification packet and any more information you need.
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