Is RDI covered by OAP funding in Ontario?

RDI is generally not covered under OAP core clinical services. RDI consultants are typically not regulated health professionals in Ontario. If a regulated provider incorporates RDI principles in their practice, discuss OAP eligibility with AccessOAP.

How strong is the evidence for RDI?

The evidence is classified as emerging. The primary published study (Gutstein et al., 2007) showed promising improvements in autism symptoms and flexibility, but it was not a randomized controlled trial. Independent large-scale RCTs are needed to establish stronger evidence. Clinical reports and family experiences are generally positive but do not constitute scientific evidence.

Can RDI be done remotely?

Yes. RDI is naturally suited to remote delivery because consultants primarily work with parents, not directly with children. Parents video-record interactions with their child, and the consultant reviews footage and provides coaching during virtual sessions. This model works well for Ontario families in rural or Northern communities with limited local therapy options.

Therapy Decision Guide

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for Autism in Ontario

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), developed by Dr. Steven Gutstein, is a parent-led developmental approach that targets dynamic intelligence — the ability to think flexibly, take different perspectives, cope with change, and process information from multiple sources simultaneously. RDI views parents as the primary agents of change, with an RDI-certified consultant guiding families through a systematic program of objectives. The evidence base is emerging, with preliminary studies showing improvements in flexibility and social referencing.

Evidence review in progressCheck current OAP eligibility

RDI, Quick Summary

This page is general information, not an individualized treatment recommendation.
Evidence labels summarize the page sources and should not replace clinical judgment.
Confirm provider credentials, coverage, goals, monitoring, alternatives, and fees before starting.

General information only—not a diagnosis, treatment plan, crisis service, or individual estimate. Confirm your next step with the linked source or a qualified professional.

At a glance

Evidence level: Evidence review in progress

OAP funding: Coverage varies, confirm with your service coordinator

Typical cost: Provider fees vary by setting; request a current written quote

Typical frequency: Individual plan varies; confirm the schedule with a qualified clinician

Target age range: Age suitability varies; confirm fit with a qualified clinician

OAP Coverage Note

OAP eligibility depends on current program rules, the funded service category, and the provider's credentials. Confirm coverage with AccessOAP or your service coordinator before committing to care.

Who provides this therapy

Ask any prospective provider which of these credentials they hold, and confirm the credential with the relevant regulatory college before starting.

RDI-certified consultantsPsychologists with RDI trainingSome occupational therapists with RDI certification

How RDI Works

RDI is fundamentally a parent-mediated intervention. Rather than therapists working directly with the child for scheduled hours, an RDI consultant works with parents to develop their ability to create daily learning opportunities that build dynamic intelligence. Parents learn to slow down interactions, set up guided participation experiences, and gradually increase cognitive and social complexity as the child progresses.

The RDI program is organized around a systematic set of objectives targeting six areas: emotional referencing (reading facial expressions and gestures), social coordination (adjusting behavior in response to others), declarative communication (sharing experiences rather than just requesting), flexible thinking (adapting to change and seeing alternatives), relational information processing (integrating multiple sources of information), and foresight and hindsight (learning from the past and planning for the future).

Many families access RDI through virtual consultation with certified consultants, supplemented by video review of parent-child interactions. This remote delivery model can be helpful for families in Northern Ontario or areas with limited in-person therapy options.

Research Evidence

The evidence base for RDI is classified as emerging. The primary published study is Gutstein, Burgess, and Montfort (2007), which reported improvements in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) scores, flexibility, and educational placement in a non-randomized sample of 16 children after 30 months of RDI. While these results are promising, the lack of a control group and small sample size limit the strength of conclusions.

Additional case studies and clinical reports suggest benefits in parent-child interaction quality, flexible thinking, and family functioning. However, independent randomized controlled trials have not yet been published. Families considering RDI should weigh its theoretical appeal and clinical reports against the current evidence limitations, and may choose to combine RDI with other approaches that have stronger empirical support.

Evidence and sources

Gutstein, Burgess & Montfort (2007)

Evaluation of the Relationship Development Intervention program. Autism, 11(5), 397-411.

Connections Center (2023)

RDI Program Overview and Objectives Framework. RDIconnect.com — official program documentation by developer Dr. Steven Gutstein.

Before you commit

Questions worth asking any provider

What certification or regulatory college licenses you to deliver this therapy, and can I verify it?
How will you measure progress, and how often will you share results with our family?
What does a typical session look like, and can we observe one before committing?
How does this approach get adjusted if it is not working after a few months?
What happens to our data, our schedule, and our funding if you leave or the practice closes?

Signs to slow down

The provider cannot name a regulatory college or certifying body, or asks you not to check it.
You are asked to sign a long-term contract before seeing a session or meeting the therapist.
Progress is described only in general terms, with no way to see or measure it over time.
The provider discourages you from getting a second opinion or asking about other approaches.
Fees, cancellation terms, or what OAP funding covers are unclear or change after you sign up.

Frequently asked questions

: RDI is generally not covered under OAP core clinical services. RDI consultants are typically not regulated health professionals in Ontario. If a regulated provider incorporates RDI principles in their practice, discuss OAP eligibility with AccessOAP.

: The evidence is classified as emerging. The primary published study (Gutstein et al., 2007) showed promising improvements in autism symptoms and flexibility, but it was not a randomized controlled trial. Independent large-scale RCTs are needed to establish stronger evidence. Clinical reports and family experiences are generally positive but do not constitute scientific evidence.

: Yes. RDI is naturally suited to remote delivery because consultants primarily work with parents, not directly with children. Parents video-record interactions with their child, and the consultant reviews footage and provides coaching during virtual sessions. This model works well for Ontario families in rural or Northern communities with limited local therapy options.

Related Therapies

Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) / Floortime

Evidence review in progress

Early Start Denver Model

Evidence review in progress

Structured Play Therapy for Autism

Evidence review in progress

Verified References & Sources

Updated: Mar 2026

Government Reports & Data

[2023]
Exclusion of Students With Disabilities — 2023 SurveyVerified FAO Data
Community Living Ontario • Report • 2023-10-01
View
[2024]
Inclusion Without Proper Support Is AbandonmentVerified FAO Data
Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario • Report • 2024-06-01
View
[2020]
Autism ServicesVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2020-07-21
View
[2024]
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan ReviewVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2024-06-05
View
[2026]
Ontario Autism Program figures as of May 13, 2026 (MCCSS, released under Freedom of Information to the Ontario Autism Coalition; published in the OAC "OAP At A Glance" update, July 2026)Verified FAO Data
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario), obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition • Report • 2026-05-13
View

Your Child's Health

Where the waitlist stands

Families navigating autism services in Ontario face a documented multi-year wait. Here is the Ontario data — and a two-minute way to push back, when you are ready.

See where the waitlist stands Email Your MPP

Official provider list — snapshot of registered OAP providers. Ontario Autism Program (oapproviderlist.ca)
Ontario Autism Program guidelines for Core Clinical Services and supports. Government of Ontario (2026)

About This Article

Written by Spencer Carroll

Founder & Autism Advocate

Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for Autism in Ontario

RDI, Quick Summary

At a glance

OAP Coverage Note

Who provides this therapy

How RDI Works

Research Evidence

Evidence and sources

Before you commit

Questions worth asking any provider

Signs to slow down

Frequently asked questions

Is RDI covered by OAP funding in Ontario?RDI is generally not covered under OAP core clinical services.

How strong is the evidence for RDI?The evidence is classified as emerging.

Can RDI be done remotely?Yes.

Related Therapies

Verified References & Sources

Government Reports & Data

Where the waitlist stands