RDI Homes are a new concept in extraordinary care provision. Based on RDI principals, the homes offer a unique alternative to mainstream adult service provision. The core belief of the Devon Autism Centre’s RDI Homes is that with the guidance of the consultant, the core deficits of autism can be remediated and this will massively improve the quality of the individual’s relationships and life. The RDI Homes are specifically designed to do this. The homes are part of a research project being conducted by the Devon Autism Centre.

Relationship Development Intervention^® (RDI^®) is a cost effective, research guided, intervention approach for remediating Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Relationship Development Intervention^® (RDI^®) is a structured program that aims to provide quality of life to individuals with ASD and their families.

RDI^® is based on the belief that individuals with ASD can develop the cognitive, emotional, communicative and social tools needed to obtain the quality of life which their disorder deprives them of (Gutstein, 2005).

The RDI program is a bio-psycho-social approach for treating Autism Spectrum Disorder. This intervention is a tailored set of objectives intended to target the core deficits of Autism.

Through a set of developmentally sequenced steps, the RDI program provides remediation to this complex condition. Primary caregivers, with the help and guidance of a certified RDI consultant, slowly and carefully create opportunities for their adult’s neural growth. Overtime, the relationships between the adult’s caregivers and the individual with Autism become more competent at the same time as making an impact on the adult’s ability to form friendships, engage in flexible thought and master problem-solving abilities.

The Consultant is the single most important tool in the RDI program. Consultants are trained to play a role as facilitators, tailoring learning programs based on the unique needs of each individual.

Consultants...

• Carefully transfer their abilities to primary carers over a series of clear objectives so carers can become fully independent in applying the essential tools.
• Help staff members modify their communication, slow their pace and focus on the underlying opportunities available in their daily routines.
• Teach carers to conduct observations and analysis of critical processes.
• Target remediation as part of the adult’s RDI intervention so the adult becomes more dynamically connected.
• Break down large, complex abilities into manageable units.
• Construct clear, systematic assignments, individualised to the daily realities of their life.
• Analyse obstacles to make learning environment user friendly
• Determine each individual’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to know where developmentally to proceed.

The RDI Program is for anyone  interested in remediating the core deficits of Autism as well as improving the quality of life of the individual with Autism.  We accept applications from anyone over the age of 18 with a primary diagnosis of ASD.

The Homes

Each home is a small private house with garden and private rooms. The homes generally have no more than 3 bedrooms, one of which is for staff. Each home is decorated to a high standard whilst conforming to all applicable safety regulations. The homes are staffed by an experienced staff team, led by a manager and run under guidance of the RDI Consultant.