What do Autism Experts say?

"Steve Gutstein’s Relationship Development Intervention™ Program is designed to encourage genuine reciprocal relationships ... Because his approach is quite different from conventional social skills programs, we benefit from not only new insight, but practical strategies for parents and professionals as well. ... Remarkable intervention program..."

Tony Attwood, PhD International Expert on Asperger’s Syndrome

"...I am greatly impressed with the theoretical foundation, pragmatic approach, and objectives [of the RDI™ Program]. This intervention focuses on what others methods do not by targeting the core relational and cognitive difficulties faced by individuals with autism. The techniques are designed to foster social engagement, are sensitive, practical, and potentially powerful in their systematic application. My knowledge of the Relationship Development Intervention™ Program through the literature and personal experience, has led me to believe that the Relationship Development Intervention™ Program may help change beliefs of what is possible for individuals with autism spectrum disorders."

Nancy J. Minshew, MD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry;
Director, NICHD Collaborative Program of Excellence in Autism, (CPEA),
University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine.

"Surprising though it may seem, until recently there has been striking neglect of the possibility that intensive and appropriately tailored social engagement with people with autism, carried out in a way that is respectful both of these individuals’ difficulties and potential, might promote vital aspects of their development. The Relationship Development Intervention™ Program provides such an approach. It has been designed with skill and originality. It is disciplined and circumspect, as well as ambitious and inspiring. It promises to change our view of what treatment may achieve."

Dr. R. Peter Hobson
MA, PhD, MB, Bchir, FRCPsych, Cpsychol.
Tavistock Professor of Developmental Psychopathology,
University of London