DRBI
Also called Developmental Relationship-Based Intervention. That is the name used in diagnostic manuals and on most official paperwork.
A way of helping a child grow through play and everyday moments with the people they love. Our at-home ideas are built on this approach.
Applies across the UK
DRBI is an umbrella name for approaches that work through warm, responsive interaction between a child and their parents or carers, rather than through drills or set exercises. The adult learns to follow the child's lead, join their play and build back-and-forth exchanges, and development is supported inside that relationship.
The name comes from a 2024 research paper that proposed it for this group of approaches, so it is a term from the research literature, not something we invented. We define it here because Assembly's reports recommend DRBI as something families can do at home, and Assembly offers programmes built on it. You deserve to know both of those things when you see the word.
DRBI approaches are not a medical treatment and do not replace an assessment or therapy your child has been referred for. Research on them is growing, and it is always fair to ask anyone offering a programme, including us, what the evidence for it is.
Where this comes from
- Developmental Relationship-Based Intervention: 2024 classification paper (Cullinane, Binns, Feder et al.) , Topics in Early Childhood Special Education (SAGE). Checked 2026-08-15.
Your child doesn't need a diagnosis to get support
Start with a profile of your child. See what we find. Go from there.