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aide for autistic children, but it can also be a huge burden financially. The program is considered a parent-based therapy, meaning school districts will not put any money toward the new system.

To have a certified RDI consultant visit the home of a child and give advice every few weeks, usually over e-mail, is about $8000 for six months. There is also a two-day parent conference that is held regionally throughout the country. For that, add another $2000.

The program may cost families an estimated $18,000 a year. This is pricey for any family, let alone Jesse's middle-class family of six in Oaklyn, New Jersey. With four children, the oldest just hitting the double digits in age, Jesse's mother Kathy has to balance a busy schedule. She home schools her oldest son, her second son is also autistic, then there's Jesse and a baby girl.

Kathy worked hard to get help from the Oaklyn school district. Originally, the district was paying $2400 a week-for one student-to provide an ABA program for Jesse. With research and determination, Kathy created her own program, which includes both RDI and ABA methods, showed the school how it would save them money and was able to get some funding from the Oaklyn schools.

Carrie says that she believes a big factor affecting whether schools will fund the new program is that it doesn't focus on skills that can be measured in the classroom.

"What people need to realize is that underlying emotional connection and willingness to be competent is more important than if a child can give a rote speech about today's weather," Carrie says.

And so far, everyone's efforts to provide Jesse with the RDI program have been worth it.

*

This day Jesse learned something new.

Although it seems like a small feat for some, this is a major improvement for Jesse. Jesse only knows how to say one word, if you can call it that. When it's time to say goodbye, he responds with "buh."

However, this day was special.

When Carrie came to Jesse's house to pick him up for his 12:30 p.m. session, Jesse was out with one of his other teachers, Gina. When the two returned, it was time to say goodbye to her. Excitedly, she says she and Jesse have something new to show everyone.

Sitting in a living room chair, Gina looks at Jesse and says, "Bye-bye Jesse!"

"Buh-buh!" he responds.

Everyone cheers and claps, and Jesse's laughter fills the room with joy.

(This article was written in early 2005.)

Learn more about this author, Kaylee Collins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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