Efficiency of Relational Development Intervention Program for Children with Autism

Background: Relational Development Intervention (RDI) program is widely used for the treatment of children with autism. However, its effectiveness in different countries under local hospital conditions is various. This study assessed the efficiency of a modified RDI program that was adapted in Qiqihar Hospital in China. Methods: forty-two children with autism at the Mental Health Center of Qiqihar Medical University were divided into both a test group and a control group, according to the matching principals of their ages and IQ scores evaluated by ABC and C-WISC forms. General treatments of language and speech training, sensory integration training and group training were used in both groups. In addition, the RDI program that has been adapted to local conditions was applied to the test group. The autism treatment evaluation scale (ATEC) form was used to assess clinical syndromes after 3 and 6-month treatments. Results: At the end of 3 month of training, the total scores, language factor scores and the social factor scores, but not the sensory scores and behavior scores on ATEC in the test group were statistically lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). At the end of 6 month training, all scores on ATEC in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control groups (p < 0.05), and all scores in the test group at the end of 6 month were also statistically lower than those at the end of 3 month (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The modified RDI improved the treatment of children with autism within 6 months at Qiqihar Hospital, China.