RDI Consulting
The RDI Model for treating autism is facilitated by certified consultants located in 25 countries around the worldOn-Demand Parent Training
1-on-1
Professional Group Training
Lisa Palasti
Expert RDI ConsultantLisa Palasti has over 20 years of experience working with children with special needs. Prior to becoming the first certified RDI® Program Consultant in Canada in 2005, Lisa worked in the school system supporting children with special needs. Lisa knows firsthand what it feels like to be a parent of special needs children and the positive impact Relationship Development Intervention® has had on her family. Lisa began using Relationship Development Intervention® with her family in 2003, today her boys are both independent young men and thriving members of their community. She finds it tremendously rewarding work to empower and educate parents to guide their children in developing real world competency and dynamic intelligence. RDI® changes lives and builds minds – parents can make all the difference!
How I Can Help You
It's my goal to create a comfortable, safe environment where we'll work together to achieve your parenting goals.What is RDI®?
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) offers programs for individuals on the autism spectrum, or other developmental difficulties. It is often described as “the missing element” in the treatment of autism because instead of focusing on symptoms, our program works to activate the growth-seeking drive essential to addressing the challenges associated with autism.
RDI® programs teach parents how to guide their child to seek out and succeed in truly reciprocal relationships, while addressing key core issues such as motivation, communication, emotional regulation, episodic memory, rapid attention-shifting, self-awareness, appraisal, executive functioning, flexible thinking and creative problem solving.
Developmental Approach
RDI® is a next generation approach to autism and developmental disability intervention that is based on the latest scientific research into the human brain. All brains, including those of people with developmental disabilities, can adapt and learn to function in a “normal” way because the brain is capable of adapting to any challenge; It just needs the right guidance. However, the brain will only grow and adapt if it is challenged to do so.
RDI® programs teach parents how to guide their child to seek out and succeed in truly reciprocal relationships, while addressing key core issues such as motivation, communication, emotional regulation, episodic memory, rapid attention-shifting, self-awareness, appraisal, executive functioning, flexible thinking and creative problem solving.
Not a ‘Therapy’
RDI® is a significant departure from traditional autism interventions, and does not simply seek to mask the condition with scripted conversations or rehearsed behaviors. Our model allows for neuro-cognitive changes to occur over time that provide the individual with the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges on their own. By developing this capacity for dynamic thinking, we open the door to the possibility of a greater quality of life that includes: reciprocal communication, genuine friendships, confident, independent living, prolonged relationships and meaningful employment
Parent-Based
RDI® includes an intensive parent training component designed for both parents’ involvement from the beginning and real life coaching that takes place in the home setting with the whole family. The goal isn’t to turn family members into therapists, but rather to guide them to develop new ways of thinking, perceiving and acting to know how to best use their precious time in facilitating the child’s mental growth. The program embraces the premise that every family member is critical to success. A trained RDI® Consultant works with each family to develop an individualized set of objectives that may include simplifying the home environment, slowing down the pace of life, balancing the entire family’s schedule and life outside of a special needs diagnosis. The RDI® program believes that making lasting, meaningful and lifelong changes begins at home with the child’s parents first, and that the remediation process should take place amidst each family’s unique culture and relationships.
RDI® programs teach parents how to guide their child to seek out and succeed in truly reciprocal relationships, while addressing key core issues such as motivation, communication, emotional regulation, episodic memory, rapid attention-shifting, self-awareness, appraisal, executive functioning, flexible thinking and creative problem solving.
Why RDI®?
Thousands of parents and educators have now realized that we can give our children and ourselves a second chance. We can create pathways to success and quality of life.
Testimonials
Conference
Beyond Behaviour: Building Your Child’s Thinking Brain
If you’ve tried everything and still feel like something is missing… this will change how you understand your child—and your role in their growth.
August 7th, 2026 9-4PM PST
Location: Okanagan College, Kelowna, British Columbia (and virtual)
So many approaches focus on what children do; their compliance, their skills, their outward performance. But real, lasting change doesn’t start there. It starts underneath… in how a child thinks, adapts, relates to others, and makes sense of the world.
This one-day, experience-rich conference will introduce you to a powerful developmental lens that goes beyond behaviour – into the foundations of flexible thinking, resilience, communication, and independence. You won’t just leave with ideas.
You’ll leave seeing your child, and yourself, differently.
Professional Training Part I
Summer Fast Track - Sold Out
Online classes will prepare you to work with special needs children and their parents in this Part One training. We will equip trainees to empower parents through meaningful engagements. Training includes learning the theoretical foundations behind Dynamic Intelligence.
Fast Track Professional Training Every Tues & Thurs at 9:00- 11:30am EST (On Zoom) for 8 weeks
July 7- 30 every Tuesday & Thursday. One week break starting August 3rd. Resume Aug 11- 27 every Tuesday & Thursday.
We train in general consulting principles.
At the end of the program, students will gain certification that allows them to work with families using the Relationship Development Intervention Program.
The RDI® Professional Training is a unique educational program available for adults with credentials in a broad range of professional backgrounds and specialty areas.
Fall Training - Now Enrolling
Fall class – September 30th from 5:00 – 7:30 pm EST running until December 16th, 2026
We train in general consulting principles.
At the end of the program, students will gain certification that allows them to work with families using the Relationship Development Intervention Program.
The RDI® Professional Training is a unique educational program available for adults with credentials in a broad range of professional backgrounds and specialty areas.
