Family Consultation Program by Marija Savitt, M.A.

As a program certified consultant participating in the RDI program I am always happy to share my excitement with just about anyone who will listen. 

One thing that I treasure about the RDI program is the Family Consultation Program (FCP), which I believe is a unique and a wonderful resource for families. The FCP is an organized system that allows both the certified consultant and parent to easily follow steps in the RDI program.

It is like having a manual to help both parents and consultant follow a very detailed and individualized support system. As a child I remember my parents asking for a manual as well as many others since. I believe what they are really asking for is some guidance or a way to know that they are not making the wrong decision about raising their child. While the FCP may not claim to have all the answers; it is one step in the right direction. The FCP provides parents with information that is critical to the RDI program including concepts such as dynamic intelligence, broadband communication, and guided participation. Guided Participation is a concept that bonds parents all over the world regardless of their child's ability. It is a very complex system that is used by parents to teach their children.

The easiest way for me to think about guided participation is in terms of teaching your child how to walk. When you first realized your child was ready to walk you did not set them in the middle of the room and let them go. You had this natural instinct to hold on tight and show them how to takes steps. From there you started slowly loosening your hold and allowing your child to take over this process. If you really stop to remember the time when you did this with your child it is a beautiful process. This is the process of

guiding your child into learning something new. It is one that we take for granted and this always breaks down for parents of children with autism. The most important single thing you can do is restore this process and that is where the FCP comes into place.

The Family Consultation Program is the beginning of any RDI program. It is the set of steps a parent must take to become a better guide to their child regardless of their ability. It outlines the identification of areas where as parents you can embark on the changes necessary to be the best you can as well as the things that could be impacting your child. In the FCP, a certified consultant guides you through identifying areas of concern and sets you up for success in the RDI program. The FCP allows you to learn what it takes to be a good guide to your child and the steps that will help get you there.