The Connections Center was established in 1995 by clinical psychologists Steve Gutstein, Ph.D. and Rachelle Sheely, Ph.D. Located in Houston, Texas the clinic began as a multi-disciplinary private outpatient practice serving local children and families. In the past several years, The Connections Center has evolved into the home of the RDI Program© and now serves as a consultation and training center for professionals and families on an international scale. The Connections Center staff is comprised of certified RDI© consultants who provide training and certification in RDI Program© to professionals from around the world.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the Quality of Life for children with ASD and their families by engaging them with certified RDI© Consultants who will tailor the RDI Program build on the strengths and minimize the obstacles of each individual family member.

About the Founders of RDI Program ©

Dr. Steven Gutstein has more than 20 years experience as a psychologist counseling children, adults, couples and families, conducting applied research, and developing programs for special populations as Professor of Psychiatry at Texas Children's Hospital and in private practice. Most recently, Dr. Gutstein has developed the RDI Program© A parent-based developmental approach toward the remediation of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Currently, over 3000 families world-wide participate in RDI Program© and nearly 100 professionals in child development are certified as RDI Program© Consultants. Dr. Gutstein is also founder of the Foundation for Autism Research & Remediation (FARR), a 501(c)(3) public non-profit charitable foundation and father of two children, both artists.
Dr. Rachelle Sheely has a background in education and taught for many years in public schools. She earned her Ph.D. after teaching for many years, and joined her husband, Dr. Gutstein, in his private practice, where, together, they launched a major effort toward remediating Autism Spectrum Disorders, RDI Program©.