ERIC Number: EJ1434165
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Aug
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1056-263X
EISSN: EISSN-1573-3580
Using Relationship Development Intervention with Autistic Children and Their Families: The Experiences of RDI Consultants in Australia
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, v36 n4 p647-664 2024
Communication and interaction in neurotypical environments can be challenging for autistic individuals, potentially disrupting the parent-child relationship. In Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) that facilitates improved interactions between autistic children and their parents, RDI Consultants play key roles in enabling parents to develop skills that support the parent-child relationship. Parents follow the guidance of the Consultants to build their capacities to model reciprocal communications with their autistic children. Given the significant role played by the Consultant, their perspectives should be explored. Two research questions were explored: 1) What are the lived experiences of RDI Consultants in delivering RDI to autistic children and their families? 2) What are RDI Consultants' perspectives regarding the outcomes of engaging in RDI for autistic children and their families? Eleven RDI Consultants participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences in using RDI. Interviews were conducted via Zoom. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Three main themes were produced: 1) RDI helps autistic children reach their potential; 2) Parents learn to embrace parenthood through RDI; and 3) Consultants form a team with parents. Overall, RDI was perceived to be beneficial in improving autistic children's social engagement, such as parent-child interactions, as well as enhancing parenting experiences. The results add to and extend the existing evidence of RDI, which may provide families of autistic children and those professionals who are working with these families more therapeutic choices to consider. Future research implications for parents and health professionals involved in therapies are discussed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Children, Parent Child Relationship, Interpersonal Competence, Intervention, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Consultants, Experience, Program Effectiveness
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A