Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Part-2 By Dr. Shagufra Jabeen II Autism in Pakistan

#autismpakistan #ASDWT #autism #rdi Part 2: Understanding Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) with Dr. Shagufta Jabeen This session introduces RDI as a family-centered, evidence-based intervention model that targets the core cognitive and social-emotional challenges of autism — dynamic thinking, flexible problem-solving, perspective-taking, and meaningful relationship building. Unlike approaches that focus on surface behaviors, RDI works to help children become more competent, confident, and connected. The session explores what RDI is and how it differs from other autism therapies, the six core guiding principles of RDI — from dynamic intelligence to episodic memory, how RDI shifts the focus from behavior management to relationship building, the role of parents as primary change agents in the model, and practical strategies for Pakistani families to implement RDI principles at home. The session also addresses common myths and misconceptions about autism interventions, followed by a Q&A. About the Speaker Dr. Shagufta Jabeen is a pediatrician, Natural Play Therapy Coach, and Pakistan's leading RDI Certified Consultant, trained through RDIconnect, USA. As a mother to an autistic child, she brings a deeply lived understanding alongside her professional expertise. She is the founder of Embrace Autism Pakistan and serves as Program Advisor at ZamZam Autism Centre, bridging medical knowledge, therapeutic intervention, and the real-world realities families face in Pakistan.