Evidence review in progress · Check current OAP eligibility
Direct answer
Gutstein, Burgess & Montfort (2007) · Connections Center (2023) · Verified 2026-08-20
Quick summary
In brief
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
- Provider credential check
- Ask any prospective provider which of these credentials they hold, and confirm the credential with the relevant regulatory college before starting.
- Credentials listed for this therapy
- RDI-certified consultants
- Psychologists with RDI training
- Some 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.
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.
- 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)
Verified references and sources
Official Organizations
- [2025]Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet (updated September 17, 2025)World Health Organization (WHO) • Official • 2025-09-17
Peer-Reviewed Research
- [2010]Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Intervention for Toddlers With Autism: The Early Start Denver ModelDawson G, Rogers S, Munson J, et al. (Pediatrics) • Academic • 2010-01-01
- [2018]Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)Reichow B, Hume K, Barton EE, Boyd BA (Cochrane Systematic Review) • Academic • 2018-05-09
About this page
Check the author’s context, review method, and how to report an error.