The RDI Book: Forging New Pathways for Autism, Asperger's and PDD with the Relationship Development Intervention Program
From our perspective, this book comes as a most welcome up-to-date overview of the thinking and practice of this original and potentially revolutionary therapeutic approach to intervention with families who have a child on the autism spectrum.  In the RDI Book, Dr Steven Gutstein writes in a style that is admirably accessible and engaging but not at all simplistic, deeply thoughtful and academically informed but neither pretentious nor abstruse, and therapeutically illuminating (indeed inspiring) but nowhere prescriptive nor formulaic. He offers a vision of the interpersonal grounding for communication and mental development development that he relates to the functioning of our dynamic brains and moves with ease between an account of typical early development and a subtle yet powerful analysis of the difficulties faced, but also the opportunities presented, in fostering development among children with autism. Through the committed and rigorous application of developmental principles underpinning guided participation to forge new pathways for individuals on the autism spectrum, the author not only provides an invaluable guide to parents and other caregivers or professionals seeking to help affected children, but also enables us all to appreciate what autism really means. This is a wonderful and often moving book about a hugely significant approach to parent-led intervention for children with autism.   R.Peter Hobson,  Tavistock Professor of Developmental Psychopathology in the University of London. --Peter Hobson, Tavistock Professor of Developmental Psychology in the University of LondonThe major contribution of this book for working with people diagnosed with ASD is the focus on dynamic intelligence as distinct from static skills. The review of dynamic processes is well grounded in current research and clearly points to the promotion of quality of life and the building of family strengths and supports as the primary treatment goal. The book also integrates relationship development models showing the importance of co-regulation and bridging as dynamic processes that foster and sustain dynamically adaptive ways of relating to the world.  Alan Fogel Department of Pscyhology University of Utah --Alan Fogel, Department of Pscyhology, University of UtahIt is a great work. I am pleased to see how RDI is maturing and becoming a theoretical and pratical approach. May things I like about the book: it describes social development in ways that every parent should understand; it focuses on the parents as the main therapists; the consultant role has expanded to include both hands-on help and help through the internet; the possibility for parents to send short clips of interactions with their child to the internet site, where they can be viewed by the therapist; the succinct and accurate presentation of the shortcomings of some of the ABA approaches. All in all a really great book. Peter Tanguay, MD Ackerly Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University of Louisville --Peter Tanguay, MD, Ackerly Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Louisville