Steven Gutstein, the RDI millionaire

[roadracer]

Okay, so I was ready to spend the $45 on The RDI Book mili recommended I read. So I thought I would start by looking up everything I could find about RDI.
It seems every parent's message I read, they thought it was awesome, and said it did wonders to help there children, so there is little doubt that it is effective treatment. BUT, they also said that the program is aimed at draining every last cent they have. The majority of the parents said that even that it works, they continually rise prices, add on mandatory fees, and keep adding it on till it gets to the point that the parent is drained of all there money and just cant afford it anymore, and have to drop it.
Thoughts on this anyone?
So it seems like a great program, and I would love to sign up for it and become all NT like, but what the heck are they thinking with the way they charge for it??? Shouldn't they be making it accessible for most?, not very accessible if you ask me.
So is the $45 book worth it, or is it going to be as thin as a magazine? any other good books I could also buy?

[peglem]

I don't know if the book is worth it, I haven't read it or ordered it. I think Gutstein has a webinar about it, if you are registered on his website. But, my personal opinion is that Gutstein is a genius and has created the first really new treatment for autism in a long time and the only program I know of that addresses the actual autism rather than just teaching compensatory skills.

Many people would argue that RDI is cheaper than other therapies (ABA is often cited as an example)...and perhaps it is, but other therapies are generally covered by insurance, so the cost burden on the families is less. The cost of RDI was/is the biggest setback in our obtaining consultant services for our child. Knowing there is something out there that can help your child when countless things you've tried in the past have not helped, and not being able to afford it- that's a desperate place for parents to be. We'll keep it up as long as we can.

[milivica]

OMG, Peglem, you are the BEST!!!

Ditto on what Peglem said:
the only program I know of that addresses the actual autism rather than just teaching compensatory skills

If there's another program that does that for less go for it! Yes, RDI costs. The ABA program out here is $120,000/yr, RDI is $4,000/yr. Doing nothing is of course $0 a year. If my state did not pay for RDI, I'd be doing the $0/year option sadly. But neither ABA or doing nothing, addresses the actual autism.

The RDI Book is, in my opinion, high at $45. It is not paper thin though, I didn't measure it but I'd say an inch thick.

Reading the book is a start. It will help you understand yourself and nt's. The more I understood myself the more I loved myself...dunno that I had much self love prior to RDI. The more I understood nt's, the more I was able to understand WHY...about everything nt.

Today, I have not one hard feeling about anything anyone ever did to me...not to say I like everything done to me, but I understand it now, and it no longer HURTS. And I no longer blame myself. The relief I feel, omg, no way to describe it. And I want everyone on the spectrum to feel like this...which is why I talk about it even though honestly I'm sick of saying "RDI" (believe it!).

I didn't want my son to memorize how to act, I wanted him to live the life he deserves, one of fulfillment and joy and CHOICE to be happy instead of his choice being taken away by autism, meltdowns, tantrums, anger, confusion, sadness, incompetence, so many negatives ruining his life, robbing him of CHOICE to feel great. Like hello, who would choose a meltdown over laughing about an unexpected set of circumstances? Who would choose loneliness over fun with friends. Autism destroys CHOICE.

'Skills'...skills made me overall look normal...after 5 minutes with me you'd notice something was 'off', after 15 minutes with me you'd be ready to gnaw your own arm off to get away from me. That's what compensatory skills did for me. Along with crushing depression from having tried to become what I thought I should be, not to mention the loneliness, feeling parallel to the world and humans instead of part of it...I could go on forever. I wanted SO MUCH MORE for my kid. Wife, kids, friends, job he liked (or that sucked but paid well, lol), house, I want for him what ever he wants for himself.

Didn't have any idea I would gain so much more as well. So that was a giant unexpected perk.

Worse case scenario, you spend $45 and gain absolutely nothing. Best case scenario, it's the beginning of your life as you would CHOOSE it to be. Take the risk.

[milivica]

Woops, forgot to say, I laughed so hard at the thread title!!! RDI Millionaire, too funny. Would that be an RDillionairre?

[roadracer]

Heck, I didnt realize it was that cheap, '$4000/yr', what I was reading said at least $10,000 your first year, like that was the min. you would be paying. Then I was reading a bunch of angry parents who said they put on a mandatory $600 fee one time and were told to pay it or they would be droped.
Mili, I totally believe you that it is great, I know it is great, most every story that I read also said it was great. I was just wondering about the whole cost side of it, that is why I was looking it up and made this thread. It is just that sometimes you come across to me like you are the RDI sales person, when I first started posting here I thought you worked for RDI or something. Not saying there is anything wrong with that, it is great you are letting people know about it.
I just dont have a clue about the different treatments and there costs, I dont even know what ABA is, and I didnt know it cost that much. That is another reason why I posted about it, because I didnt know if what I was thinking was right or not.
Didnt realize you would pull out the big print on me :p
I will submit to the peer pressure and spend the money on the book, lol :p :p I am ordering it before I go to bed

[roadracer]

OMG, Peglem, you are the BEST!!!

Ditto on what Peglem said:
the only program I know of that addresses the actual autism rather than just teaching compensatory skills

If there's another program that does that for less go for it! Yes, RDI costs. The ABA program out here is $120,000/yr, RDI is $4,000/yr. Doing nothing is of course $0 a year. If my state did not pay for RDI, I'd be doing the $0/year option sadly. But neither ABA or doing nothing, addresses the actual autism.

The RDI Book is, in my opinion, high at $45. It is not paper thin though, I didn't measure it but I'd say an inch thick.

Reading the book is a start. It will help you understand yourself and nt's. The more I understood myself the more I loved myself...dunno that I had much self love prior to RDI. The more I understood nt's, the more I was able to understand WHY...about everything nt.

Today, I have not one hard feeling about anything anyone ever did to me...not to say I like everything done to me, but I understand it now, and it no longer HURTS. And I no longer blame myself. The relief I feel, omg, no way to describe it. And I want everyone on the spectrum to feel like this...which is why I talk about it even though honestly I'm sick of saying "RDI" (believe it!).

I didn't want my son to memorize how to act, I wanted him to live the life he deserves, one of fulfillment and joy and CHOICE to be happy instead of his choice being taken away by autism, meltdowns, tantrums, anger, confusion, sadness, incompetence, so many negatives ruining his life, robbing him of CHOICE to feel great. Like hello, who would choose a meltdown over laughing about an unexpected set of circumstances? Who would choose loneliness over fun with friends. Autism destroys CHOICE.

'Skills'...skills made me overall look normal...after 5 minutes with me you'd notice something was 'off', after 15 minutes with me you'd be ready to gnaw your own arm off to get away from me. That's what compensatory skills did for me. Along with crushing depression from having tried to become what I thought I should be, not to mention the loneliness, feeling parallel to the world and humans instead of part of it...I could go on forever. I wanted SO MUCH MORE for my kid. Wife, kids, friends, job he liked (or that sucked but paid well, lol), house, I want for him what ever he wants for himself.

Didn't have any idea I would gain so much more as well. So that was a giant unexpected perk.

Worse case scenario, you spend $45 and gain absolutely nothing. Best case scenario, it's the beginning of your life as you would CHOOSE it to be. Take the risk.

BTW, that post sounded like Billy Mays :D I could actually picture him while I was reading it, lol, sorry, just had to say that
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KBXcpJfmj4&feature=related

[tgrimes]

Woops, forgot to say, I laughed so hard at the thread title!!! RDI Millionaire, too funny. Would that be an RDillionairre?

LOL! I know, when I saw it all I could think was:

Steven Gutstein ==> autism as Ron Popiel ==> TV

Which means basically I wouldn't complain about capitalism just because it's the medical field.
I know a lot of people are complaining about this, but the true answer lies with medical ethicists, i wonder what they would say.
There is a program here (actually it is probably all over) that offers horseback riding to autistic kids, it involves certified instructors, who are licensed under some company that has become known for this program, and ALSO offers training to those wishing to make a lucrative career of it, since you can simply rent the horses, then advertise for volunteers to help walk kids around, (and they get plenty of volunteers) then you collect a pretty hefty sum from the parents for the therapy, to pay for the price of the certified program.
Then there are parents like me who are willing go to five different stables before finding one that is accepting of their children, but I had horse experience, so I had in mind very clear the way I wanted to do it, that is the difference.

So, comparison: can you get RDI without gutstien? Yes. Sorry to say, but it is just plain behavioral theory, I haven't looked at book one but know just from what Pegs and Mili post, its simple behavioral therapy, the same stuff known for years.
But, disclaimer: You will have to read WAY more than five behavioral theory books, know classical behaviorism, methodological, maybe radical, uhh... what else... oh yeah, fall off your horse, lose control of your horse, lose your nerve.

No one can tell now if this will be something you continue. You know, some of those people just went to one horse ride session and quit, they were out probably $45, but they at least got to ride :)

[tgrimes]

BTW, that post sounded like Billy Maze :D I could actually picture him while I was reading it, lol, sorry, just had to say that
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KBXcpJfmj4&feature=related

OMG i just looked at this, I was writing a long post and did not see this until after I posted, then looked at this vid for who is billy maze, and it is creeping me out!!! I was thinking of Ron popiel the same time... now why would this happen, because I thought it was kind of an unusual association.
Now that shows the huge generational thing, i bet you don't even know who ron popiel is.

Eeeew, Eeeeew, EEEEEW! Goosebumps, creeping me out. :confused:

[peglem]

Yes. Sorry to say, but it is just plain behavioral theory, I haven't looked at book one but know just from what Pegs and Mili post, its simple behavioral therapy, the same stuff known for years.

So, do you really think that, or are you just trying to give Mili a stroke?

[tgrimes]

So, do you really think that, or are you just trying to give Mili a stroke?

Huh? She knows this, Gutstein did not make this stuff up, he even cites his five favorite authors, right? I thought that was the claim - that he condensed the most important parts of behaviorism and what he considered most pertinent to autism, to his program.

Anyway, If he just pulled it out of his butt people would be suspicious.

[roadracer]

So, do you really think that, or are you just trying to give Mili a stroke?

as I was reading I thought OMG, you have unleashed a dragon

i bet you don't even know who ron popiel is.
Nope, I dont have a clue who that is, but I am guessing he is someone like Billy Mays? (BTW, Maze should have been Mays, I was getting confused as my computer kept showing the pic for a piece of corn, lol)

[peglem]

Huh? She knows this, Gutstein did not make this stuff up, he even cites his five favorite authors, right? I thought that was the claim - that he condensed the most important parts of behaviorism and what he considered most pertinent to autism, to his program.

Anyway, If he just pulled it out of his butt people would be suspicious.
No, he didn't just pull it out of his butt. Its based on how NTs develop social/emotional connections from infancy on up. His favorite authors are child development specialists, not behavioral specialists.

[tgrimes]

Okay, my bad.
Sorry, you took that post to sound negative, i was actually making an argument for an example of different choices, not against Gutstien.

[tgrimes]

as I was reading I thought OMG, you have unleashed a dragon
)

OMG you guys this is just ridiculous, she even said it herself, tomorrow I will find the post!!! I am up way too late, so nite now. :)

[Keggy]

Its expensive on all fronts. I looked into the consultant program and even with the educational requirements done it would cost over ten thousand dollars, which is more than ridiculous. I was assured I would make my money back in less then two years.

I am not an expert in RDI (obviously) but from what I read it doesn't seem much different then what some of us do in therapy when we work case by case, minus the marketing.

[milivica]

OMG...you have to imagine me reading this thread after my post, beginning with RR's post saying he didn't realize I was going to pull out the big print, and he writes it in ever bigger print than mine...I'm thinking what a riot RR is as I sit there laughing. Then he says he'll submit to peer pressure and get the book - I'm thrilled and cheering with my hands over my head like I'm at some sports game.

Still enjoying the chuckle I got out of the 'big print' remark, RR hits me with the Billy Mays thing...I don't recognize the name so look up the video link RR gave on you tube and completely loose it. I'm laughing so hard tears are rolling down my face and I'm gripping my sides.

I read what Grimey says about Gutstein...Ron Popiel...RDI, and I'm rolling.

Then, the unthinkable...I read what Grimey says about ABA and RDI. My gut response, an image of plugging in an extension chord, cutting off the other end, splicing it down the middle and putting it against my chest pops into my head. You know, like do it yourself home defibrulation. My jaw is dropped, I'm dumbfounded....I'm gutted mostly, I love Grimey, and she hasn't understood a word I've said about RDI, she's hearing it with ABA ears.

Then I read Peglems response "Are you trying to give Mili a stroke" and start laughing so hard I nearly wet my pants. Peg recovers me from Grimey's post, and now all I can do is imagine myself on infomercials as the Mili Mays of RDI. "Does your child have autism? What do you think it would cost for a program that works? Not $10,000, not $9,000, not $8,000, only 4 payments of $999.99!"

It's like a M*A*S*H episode, I'm hysterical laughing, ready to cry, hysterical laughing again.

I'm now having such a good time, I can't stand it, I have to call Peg.....ring ring ring......no one picks up. I need some give and take of humor about me being Mili Mays. I tell dh, he's rolling. Calling me the Ron Popiel of RDI...which is now my new nickname around here for the time being.

OMG, this was just too good for words. As for the ABA RDI thing, anyone that thinks it is even vaguely similar, please know that is a true sign that you haven't got any idea not even the slightest, what RDI is. Peg says it waaaaay more briefly than me, and what she's said is very correct. I'd encourage this understanding of RDI - it's about increasing all non-concrete brain activity, increasing networking/the ability of the brain to communicate with itself. What 'program' has your child ever ever been in, that does that?

None, and that's the truth. My challenge, name even ONE. No one can.

There's nothing more I can say to explain what RDI is, like I did, like Peg is doing, each parent has to take it upon themselves to learn about what it is. Or not. Parental choice. Once a person understands RDI, the understanding that it increases neurology in autistics with typical neurology, until the person no longer has autism, is obvious.

To lay to rest the money issue, RDI is cheaper than filling my gas tank. Than my mortgage. Than our food bill. Dental care. Car repair. Cancer, childhood leukemia, and all the other things that 'should be' free ethically. RDI saves a person's life spiritually every bit as much as chemo saves a persons life bodily. What is a 'fair' costs for that? If RDI was charged hourly, our costs would be $ .40/hr (fourty CENTS). I think the cost issue is, there's this one guy Gutstein that's making all this money...cause if the money was really the issue, the beef ought to be with Elly Lily, who, btw, made more money monthly off my son's autism than RDI, with no lifelong benefit to him like RDI.

Elly Lilly costs and made money off my son, RDI costs and made a life for my son. If RDI was a big faceless 'corporation' and not one guy, Gutstein, the cost factor would not be such a topic for discussion.

So, again the Mili Mays of RDI asks... I'm bringing out the big font (lol) what program have you done with your child that increases networking/the ability of the brain to communicate with itself? .

Keg, you were never taught increasing networking for autism, you were taught how to increase autism in autistics. What is done and taught about autism today, is like the 'blood letting' days way back when. Matter of fact, ABA and all behavioral therapies are useful for autism as bloodletting.

[tgrimes]

God, I am so getting frustrated here! Don't you pull that big font stuff on me, I will start to use caps.
Did you not even get my analogy, I spent a long time on that (well, okay, not as long as you spend on your analogies) and it totally went over your heads? I need a re-do. The gist was supposed to be like yea, you can get it elsewhere, but you will exhaust yourself in the research process trying to condense it the way that worked for Gutstein.
And where did I say anything about ABA, I do not even know about ABA except for the parts that everyone hates and posts here.
But seriously... you cannot have anyone disagree with you over RDI? (Then you don't even want to know my reason for not buying in, it might really shock you but suffice it to say it has to do with some really unbelieveable youtube videos)
And no way was I trying to discourage either Pegs or your recommendation of it, I can see from your posts it has worked really well.

[milivica]

I can totally have someone disagree with me over RDI, if you know what RDI is...if you get the core of RDI, you don't have to understand the entire thing. Then, yes, by all means tell me what you disagree about, I can take it, even in CAPS.

Now, what about my question. What program (strategy, therapy) have you done with your child that increases networking/the ability of the brain to communicate with itself?

Now take your re-do. That's only fair! Did you see my last response about the REM thing? Ok, anyhow, take your re-do.

[peglem]

The gist was supposed to be like yea, you can get it elsewhere, but you will exhaust yourself in the research process trying to condense it the way that worked for Gutstein.

Yeah, that totally went past me- I just thought you were purposely misunderstanding RDI to yank some chains...But, I did think there must be some subtle humor somewhere.

[tgrimes]

I can totally have someone disagree with me over RDI, if you know what RDI is...if you get the core of RDI, you don't have to understand the entire thing. Then, yes, by all means tell me what you disagree about, I can take it, even in CAPS. .

No, I meant disagree over whether it was necessary to buy in in the first place, if you looked into it and decided it wasn't right for you.


Now, what about my question. What program (strategy, therapy) have you done with your child that increases networking/the ability of the brain to communicate with itself? .

I dunno the usual... Play catch, go on walks, visit strangers on the street and strike up conversations, talk about simple stuff, debate political stuff , talk about what things bother him, what he can do to either avoid or modify situations, give validation when he is feeling incompetent, give respect at all times, get an idea of who he is and enjoy him as he is, enjoy his favorite things to do...???, I know that's not what your'e looking for but I'm pretty sure there were some neuronal connections happening throughout the years naturally, without a lot of analysis of where/which neurons.




Now take your re-do. That's only fair! Did you see my last response about the REM thing? Ok, anyhow, take your re-do.

LOL! :) Alright but I think the re-do is a little premature. I need for roadrunner to come back and answere something first, if there is a consensus, then I will do a re-do.

I saw the response to the REM thing, was I supposed to reply? I will go look again.

[tgrimes]

Roadracer -
Please answer if you think post #7 is pro-buythedangbook, like was I telling you yes, go ahead and spend the $45, cause AT LEAST YOU GET TO RIDE???
Please circle one and pass it back:
Yes No

[roadracer]

Roadracer -
Please answer if you think post #7 is pro-buythedangbook, like was I telling you yes, go ahead and spend the $45, cause AT LEAST YOU GET TO RIDE???
Please circle one and pass it back:
Yes No

I dont understand what you are asking me?

I am buying the book, with the understanding that it will be worth it, but if it is not I wont be out that much money.
But even if the book is great there is no way I could ever afford the RDI, and now I know since every other treatment is so much more I really cant afford anything, even if I get a job.

Since I have not had a job since last year sometime the only money I have is a little from my income tax left, so I spend the $45 on the book, and save the other $400 for when I apply for medical assistance (if they ever setup the meeting) so I have some money to go to doctors, because you have to have the applications for medicaid filled out by a doctor, and my understanding is that they don't pay for that. I don't even have a clue if the $400 and some if enough. I am not even sure if I will get the medicaid, or what it will cover, but I really think at some point I should get some of my medical problems figured out.

[milivica]

>>>>No, I meant disagree over whether it was necessary to buy in in the first place, if you looked into it and decided it wasn't right for you.

RDI is not like chelation or diet therapy or something that 'might' help autism. If you looked into it, and understood it's core, you wouldn't decide it wasn't right.

>>>>I dunno the usual... Play catch, go on walks, visit strangers on the street and strike up conversations, talk about simple stuff, debate political stuff , talk about what things bother him, what he can do to either avoid or modify situations, give validation when he is feeling incompetent, give respect at all times, get an idea of who he is and enjoy him as he is, enjoy his favorite things to do...???, I know that's not what your'e looking for but I'm pretty sure there were some neuronal connections happening throughout the years naturally, without a lot of analysis of where/which neurons.

That's all concrete. No need to analyze where/which neurons, I never do that.

It's a question to consider, before you think you get what RDI is, and weather your kid needs it or not. What opportunities does your child with autism get, to increase the networking/interconnectivity in his brain?

Nt kids get it from infancy on all day every day, that's why they're nt. At (for instance) 2 years old, that interconnectivity, that ability for one part of the brain to 'network' and communicate with other parts of the brain is still developing, aka, the terrible twos. And nt's brain communicates with itself, all day every day. I can give examples to clarify if you want.

That lack of intercommunication in the brain, is autism. Nt's have it. It's why, you don't see nt's getting so overwhelmed and hung up and stuck...when there's no interconnectivity, no flow to and from the different parts of the brain. Can you visualize what I mean?

It just kills me, as you probably can 'hear' in my posts, that all the people here, who have been there for me in my worst times, aren't with me in my best times now. I want you to see your son enjoy what I see my son enjoy, I want to bring you with. That's what makes joy, joy. Bringing those along you care about and being happy together. Not posting about how good Vince is doing in this or in that.

Ok, shut up Mili, too verbose.
:)

[Keggy]

Keg, you were never taught increasing networking for autism, you were taught how to increase autism in autistics. What is done and taught about autism today, is like the 'blood letting' days way back when. Matter of fact, ABA and all behavioral therapies are useful for autism as bloodletting.

AGGGGHHHH!! You don't know what I was taught!!

[milivica]

AGGGGHHHH yourself, what are ya a pirate (with a NY accent).

Correct, I do not know what you were taught. I couldn't possibly not having received an education in your field of expertise.

But I do know one thing you were not taught. You were not taught to increase the neural connectivity aka the brains ability to communicate with itself in autistics, which must occur for people with autism become people without autism. The only way people with aspergers become people without aspergers.
Lisa

[tgrimes]

[QUOTE=milivica;346561
It just kills me, as you probably can 'hear' in my posts, that all the people here, who have been there for me in my worst times, aren't with me in my best times now.
:)[/QUOTE]

Mili, would you like me to erase post #7? I am sorry this upset you.
I am not going to debat5e this on roadracer's thread here, since he said he is buying the book, you should be happy, I don't get the problem.

[roadracer]

Sorry everyone for getting things stirred up, that was not my intention

I was told a few times before that since not everyone is going to agree with you, no matter how correct you are, so it is sometimes better to just agree to disagree.

Mili I would love to start this program, but not everyone has money for it. Maybe you could be happy in knowing that you taught me (and others) about this and did everything you could do to teach people about it. I didnt know this thread was going to turn out this way, sorry you are upset, and sorry if I hurt yours, or anyones feelings.

[peglem]

RR, you didn't do anything to upset anyone. Your thread was highjacked! For what its worth I don't think anyone is upset to the point where they can't deal with it pretty easily.

[roadracer]

RR, you didn't do anything to upset anyone. Your thread was highjacked! For what its worth I don't think anyone is upset to the point where they can't deal with it pretty easily.

Okay, glad no one is that upset

I have a really hard time telling the difference between if someone is joking, being sarcastic, or is mad. I really have a hard time telling the difference between these different things and if there is a hidden message. So if I think I might have said or did something wrong I apologize. This is the reason I didnt post on message boards for the longest time.
The first messageboards I ever went to where a couple bicycling boards, and I got run out pretty quick because I said things that people thought were offensive, but I was only trying to be nice. Add to it my spelling was not good because I didn't use all the programs I use now, and people don't like messages with spelling errors in them. So I was afraid to go to messageboards till I found this board and other autism boards. It is a work in progress because I still get kicked out of autism boards also and I cant go to other boards like bicycling boards, only the autism boards people are more understanding. It is hard to know what is appropriate to post and what is not, and how people are going to take my posts. Even that being social is way easier online, there are still some social skills involved.

[peglem]

I understand. We've had some intense spats on this board- But, pretty much, most of the people who posted on this thread are people who have been on this forum for a long time. They "know each other" and aren't going to get too bent out of shape when they disagree. Shoot, sometimes we push each other's buttons just for the thrill of getting the reaction. :) If anything, your part on this thread added a bit of humor!

[Isabelle]

believe me they do !!!!! mili, for instance is an expert hijacker, a pirate, the queen of verbalization, extravaganza....etc, etc oh! and is strong seller of RDI...

do not take seriously their sparring, is all barking no biting :D:p

can you find online one second hand ?

[tgrimes]

OMG that's it. I am done obsessing here. Nothing I say will be right. So Here is my fr*ckin REDO:
I have the wonderful completely unbreakable set of ginsu knives with lifetime guarantee!!! from Ron Popiel.
And so now, over post traumatic stress syndrome, I will now proceed to use them to the tune of , hmmm...
2001 a space odyssey
Aaargh ye ready kids?

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM ....

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Grimey, I think we understand what you are saying (at least I do).

I 100% agree with your idea and pretty much think we are using the same 'methodology' to move forward with our children.

I don't think doing RDI is worth it for us, because I think doing the things, like you've mentioned are 'good enough' for us.

That's not to say that I don't respect and take lead from (the best that I can) Mili, Pegs & Gutstein...ya know.

Absoultely, he's done all the work. He's got the right background & training to be able to synthesize ALLLLLLLLLL that information that is out there...if you have the money (which is not just a factor of 'spare' cash or liquidity, it's also a factor of need or individual 'demand') then it is the best move...otherwise opening your mind to the 'approach' I think, is better than staying close minded and using things that clearly don't do more than 'train'...

Did I get it right?

If so, I think that means we all agree here...but are just marching forward along parallel paths, ya? I think it seems that your idea was glossed over or misunderstood, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't...so your' point was that it is possible to accomplish the same things that RDI strives to do without lining Gutstein's pockets, right? Not the easiest way, but possible...

Happy Mother's Day girls!

RR, what did you decide to do for your mom? I was thinking the other day (but forgot to post) I bet one of your photo's would be nice for her...

Anyway, hope everyone is enjoying their day...off to MILs now....:)

[Keggy]

AGGGGHHHH yourself, what are ya a pirate (with a NY accent).

Correct, I do not know what you were taught. I couldn't possibly not having received an education in your field of expertise.

But I do know one thing you were not taught. You were not taught to increase the neural connectivity aka the brains ability to communicate with itself in autistics, which must occur for people with autism become people without autism. The only way people with aspergers become people without aspergers.
Lisa
Tis true, although not commonly known... I am a pirate.

Moldy.... you are as stubborn as a mule, and this is why we have to shell out ten thousand dollars. :(

[milivica]

Moldy.... you are as stubborn as a mule
Ah yes, the quality I yet retain, untouched by all medication and intervention combined...but only when I'm right.

Hee haw Krusty...or hee hwa in NY.

[tgrimes]

If so, I think that means we all agree here...but are just marching forward along parallel paths, ya? I think it seems that your idea was glossed over or misunderstood, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't...so your' point was that it is possible to accomplish the same things that RDI strives to do without lining Gutstein's pockets, right? Not the easiest way, but possible...

Happy Mother's Day girls!

.:)
Yeah, that's pretty much it, but to reiterate it here can almost mean ...
you've just joined the dark side, young skywalker.

[milivica]

Yeah, that's pretty much it,

Oh. Why didn't you just say so.

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Ok, I might be dense, but what's the darkside? Cuz from where I sit I think we are all on the same side???

[roadracer]

RR, what did you decide to do for your mom? I was thinking the other day (but forgot to post) I bet one of your photo's would be nice for her...

Yes, that is what I gave her, I spent up till the last minute working on them, portraits I took of my nephews, and I picked up the final prints at the photo shop on saturday evening, found the perfect frames, and they turned out looking great, she really liked them.
Also me and my dad cooked dinner and if you knew how we normally get along and the fact that we managed to get along good, and everything turned out good. I think that my mom really liked that.

[tgrimes]

Oh. Why didn't you just say so.

Because I like to make things complicated I guess. Pirate priveledge.
AAAARGH we all right now matie?

[Keggy]

Ah yes, the quality I yet retain, untouched by all medication and intervention combined...but only when I'm right.

Hee haw Krusty...or hee hwa in NY.

Who said you were right?

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

RR, sounds like a perfect day for her...well done! :)

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Hey Grimey, wanted to just mentioned something else...not sure it matters anymore in this conversation, but it crossed my mind last night so here it is...

When we first started discussing RDI here more thoroughly I was pregnant with Audrey. Coley was getting some behavioral therapy at school and we were having a really rough time with him on several fronts.

It took a while for me to get (what I thought was a good understanding)...looking back on it now, it was probably was enough understanding to be able to see the difference between ABA and RDI, but not really enough to do it...not that I could be a therapist or anything now...but I think I can see the goal and know how to go about achieving it.

Anyway, after Audrey was born, I had SOOOOO many moments where I could pinpoint things that Coley didn't do...but more than that I started to see how she was building off of these things and FINALLY had a much clearer picture of WHAT, WHY & HOW, ya know...

And then the most amazing thing happened...Coley attached to Audrey and suddenly HE wanted to know what her behaviors meant and all of that...Coley's development LEAPED, it was the most incredible thing.

And now it still happens, I can see his deficits, or his missing 'blocks' through Audrey's development, and I can purposely engage Coley in HER process, and he tailgates...

So even with all those other types of things you mentioned...which we try real hard to chose carefully too...Audrey has been the BEST tool ever.

And to round out the discussion here...RDI is pretty expensive...Audrey is more expensive. :rolleyes: Audrey teaches Coley (and me) SO much and Coley does the same in return.

I highly recommend one to everyone! :D I know that sounds funny...I'm not suggesting everyone run out and get preggers...I mean if there is a way to expose them on a rountine enough basis...and perhaps a baby might be too little for some, Coley was 4 when Audrey was born...some of the older kids might benefit from kindergarteners or whatever instead...

[peglem]

Yeah, I'll do the Michael Jackson thing and see if I can hire me a 6yo.

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

Are you teasing or do you think I'm off my rocker? Well I guess those aren't mutually exclusive options are they?

[peglem]

Are you teasing or do you think I'm off my rocker?

I do think you're off your rocker (but in an affectionate way). I know Allie does great with younger children. I was just wondering where I was going to get one. And that, for some reason made me think of how Michael Jackson....well, anyway, i think its an idea with merit.

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

There are probably lots of community activities that Allie (and you too I guess) could 'volunteer' to help at, especially over the summer.

At Coley's school they have 'reading buddies' 1x/week where 3rd grade kids that are having some reading trouble sit with the kindergarteners and read with them. The 3rd graders, of course, think they are helping the kindergarteners (and they are on a couple levels) but I think the 3rd graders are getting more from it. They are peered (eeks there's that word again) up so that they have the same buddy each week. Coley LOVES his buddy...

Probably a STUPID idea to even suggest to the boneheads at Allie's school, but I wonder if she could do something like that...obviously not reading, but I'm sure there is something that she could do...maybe help at lunch (since she hasn't been eating so good there) or something???

Are there any kids in the neighborhood that you could set up play dates with?

Heck you could probably sit for a kid between school & work hours and make a little cash to pay for RDI...

Oh, I'm sure you could think of lots more stuff like this...so now I'm thinking your still joking...and I'm talking to myself...

[peglem]

Did I mention that other parents pull their children away from mine? I think having recess or music or PE with the younger kids would be good for Allie, but i don't think the school will accommodate that because we don't have any scientific, peer reviewed research. Keep in mind though, virtually all of the kids at Allie's school are kids whose needs cannot be met in regular schools/classrooms, otherwise the districts would keep them at their home schools. Its cheaper.

I have a thought, though, we'll move to Wisconsin and hang out w/ Lisa and Vince....Allie really got along well with Vince.

[Kristen (ColeysMom)]

I have a better idea...come move here, where our schools seems a bit more open minded and receptive to creative thinking...AND I have a built in 2 & 6yo! :D

Problem solved!