Implementing RDI® in Real-World Settings

Implementing RDI® in Real-World Settings: Lessons from Practice

Relationship Development Intervention® (RDI®) is more than a therapy programme. It’s a framework for guiding children with developmental differences toward dynamic thinking, emotional regulation, and meaningful social connections. For professionals, implementing RDI® can be challenging, especially in mainstream classrooms or busy therapy settings. Drawing on years of experience, this post explores practical strategies and insights for applying RDI® principles effectively.

1. Start with the Guiding Relationship

• Emphasise the parent/caregiver as the primary guide.

• Professionals can coach, model, and support the guiding relationship without replacing it.

• Key takeaway: Your role is to enable learning through relationships, not just administer tasks.

2. Scaffolding: Challenge, Don’t Overwhelm

• Introduce small, manageable challenges that are just beyond the child’s current abilities.

• Observe carefully and step back when the child is processing, resisting, or exploring.

• Examples:

  • Pausing to let the child reflect before responding.

  • Offering choices rather than directives.

  • Spotlighting efforts, not just outcomes.
    
    

3. Co-Regulation and Emotional Support

• Many children with autism or developmental differences need regulated guidance before they can engage with cognitive or social tasks.

• Use consistent verbal and non-verbal cues to model calm, patient responses.

• Professionals can train parents to co-regulate effectively at home and school.

4. Observing Dynamic Thinking

• Professionals should monitor how children approach novel situations, problem-solving, and social interactions.

• Look for signs of flexible thinking: adapting plans, noticing others’ perspectives, and experimenting with new solutions.

• Use observations to adjust scaffolding and set the next objectives.
  
  

5. Collaboration and Consistency

• RDI® works best when parents, teachers, and therapists collaborate.

• Weekly updates, shared observations, and coordinated goals create a consistent environment for the child.

• Avoid fragmented approaches that can confuse or overwhelm the child.
  
  

Implementing RDI® in professional settings requires patience, observation, and flexibility. By focusing on relationships, scaffolding challenges, supporting emotional regulation, and collaborating closely with caregivers, professionals can create meaningful opportunities for children to develop confidence, social understanding, and dynamic thinking.

Deepen your understanding and practical expertise by enrolling in our RDI® Professional Training, designed for psychologists, therapists, educators, counsellors, doctors and individuals invested in child development.

Contributed by

Genevieve Chua

Educational Psychologist and RDI® Training Director (Southeast Asia and Australia)

Children's Partnership