Relationship Development Intervention with Young Children: Social and Emotional Development Activities for Asperger Syndrome, Autism, PDD and NLD [Paperback]

Steven E. Gutstein (Author), Rachelle K. Sheely (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2002

Friendship, even for the most able, requires hard work, and the odds are heavily stacked against those with autism spectrum disorders. Designed for younger children, typically between the ages of two and eight, this comprehensive set of activities emphasizes foundation skills such as social referencing, regulating behavior, conversational reciprocity and synchronized actions. The authors include over 300 objectives to plan and evaluate a child's progress, each one related to a specific exercise. Suitable for parental use, the manual is also designed for easy implementation in schools and in therapeutic settings. A comprehensive website acts as companion to the book, free to purchasers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Clinical Psychologists and husband/wife team Steven Gutstein and Rachelle Sheely are founders of the internationally known Connections Center for Relationship Development and the Monarch Therapeutic School. Dr. Gutstein, author of Autism/Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle and Dr. Sheely, a nationally respected expert in Autism, reside in Houston, Texas with their two daughters Esther and Hannah. Dr. Gutstein has spent over twenty years as a professor, researcher and clinician, creating powerful tools for social and emotional growth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 331 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (February 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843107147
• ISBN-13: 978-1843107149
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Law > Specialties > Disability

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Friendships Are Relationships, May 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Relationship Development Intervention with Young Children: Social and Emotional Development Activities for Asperger Syndrome, Autism, PDD and NLD (Paperback)

I found Drs. Gutstein and Sheely's new book very helpful for implementing the Relationship Development Intervention curriculum for our son who has Asperger's.

The Activities were presented in a very user friendly format in a step-by-step manner. The corresponding Objectives were clearly stated, and it will be easy to monitor his progress. I know that these objectives will be beneficial when planning for his IEP at school next year.

I've always wished that our son came with a manual....well now I've got one. Thanks.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After reading so much, finally what I needed, November 6, 2004

By 

Nice Norway (Garza Garcia, Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Relationship Development Intervention with Young Children: Social and Emotional Development Activities for Asperger Syndrome, Autism, PDD and NLD (Paperback)

As a mother of two, I like to help my kids, in everyway posible, to grow up as wholesome happy persons. I have a 3 year old who at home is a normal kid, but at school, parties or just anywhere else she won't speak and is in a constant state of panic and anxiety. I have read so many books on anxiety and other related pathologies without finding a real way to help her. This wonderful program RDI has helped my daughter in an incredible way! She is now a happier child, communicates more with all her family and extended family. And she is starting to make friends and interact with other children and adults just like any other kid. I am also using the program with my older daughter to help her in the building of her friendships. This book is not just for autistic kids.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Intro to RDI, February 22, 2007

By 

Ms. Maria Toledano "Ken W." (London) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Relationship Development Intervention with Young Children: Social and Emotional Development Activities for Asperger Syndrome, Autism, PDD and NLD (Paperback)

This book gives excellent advice to parents on ways for parents to help their autistic child develop socially. The principles are laid out clearly and activity descriptions are easy to follow. Unfortunately, for us, the beginner activities are nearly all too difficult for my child. As the book makes the objectives for each activity clear, parents can, if necessary, invent easier activities to meet them. I would recommend it but I understand the authors no longer do, saying that RDI has moved on since its publication and that the book no longer represents what RDI is about.