Frequently Asked Questions

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Developmental, Relationship-Based intervention approaches (DRBI) to supporting people with autism are therapeutic approaches to supporting autistic people which were identified by independent meta-analysis of autism treatment outcome studies ​(Sandbank, et al., 2020)​.  

Developmental, relational therapeutic approaches share common theoretical assumptions which guide their common treatment goals and common intervention strategies. See chapter 1 of the DRBI Clinical Practice Guidelines on this website to read the neurodiversity-affirming, person-centered theoretical assumptions, goals, and strategies of DRBI.

Independent training organizations provide professional and paraprofessional training in Developmental Approaches or various forms of DRBI through Play Project.com, Profectum.org, ICDL.com, PACTInstitute.com, ResponsiveTeaching.org, RDIConnect.org.

Certification by the Developmental Approaches Certification Board is a future opportunity. With the collaboration of a diverse group of subject matter experts, basic common certification requirements will be developed for three levels of practitioner. Certification will be a means to demonstrate to the greater public, state regulators, and funding organizations such as insurance companies and government agencies that you are qualified to provide an evidence-based DRBI, a developmental, relational approach to supporting autistic people. It ensures the public of your adherence to neurodiversity-affirming care and your fidelity to a developmental approach.