DIRFloortime® is a comprehensive, relationship-based Model of intervention for children and adults who have  challenges in relating and communicating, including autism. This 2 day course  is delivered by ICDL Training Leader Denise Wilson, MSc. She is an occupational therapist and  play therapist. 

DIR® stands for Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based:

Developmental – The course gives an overview of  Greenspan’s Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities 1-6. These are the capacities a child must master for healthy emotional and intellectual growth. The stages are,

1. The ability to be regulated and interested in their surroundings. 
2. The ability to engage with others and deepen attachment bonds. 
3. The ability to initiate and respond in two-way purposeful communication. 
4. The capacity for complex communication and shared problem solving.
5. The ability to create emotional ideas and be imaginative. 
6. The capacity for complex imagination and logical thinking. 

Individual Differences - Each child has their own unique profile which needs to be taken into account. Individual differences within the child, or within their environment, will either help or hinder the child in acheiving their potential. Improving our knowledge of each child's Individual Differences, helps us to understand the child's unique experience within their bodies and their perception of their world. These differences may be in the following areas,                                                                       

• Motor and perceptual motor function 
• Sensory modulation 
• Sensory processing 
• Auditory processing 
• Environment factors 
• Biomedical factors 
• Developmental history
• Family factors including attachment 
• Any history of trauma 

Relationship-Based - Warm, loving interactions between the child and their caregivers are at the core of the Model. Brain chemistry changes when the child is calmly alert, motivated and positive. This improves neurological processing, helping the child to think and learn more effectively. The child develops an understanding of themselves and the world through long chains of back and forth interactions with their caregivers.

Floortime - Through video examples and discussion, course participants will see how Floortime play supports the D, I and R, so that the child can evolve towards independent thinking and sustaining warm, loving relationships.

This 2 day introductory course is approved by the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). It is aimed at families and professionals. It is the first step towards professionals becoming accredited ICDL DIRFloortime® practitioners. Research has shown that coaching parents to carry out Floortime with their children, improves the child's function whilst also reducing parental stress and depression (www.icdl.com/research).

The venue allows social distancing spacing of 1.5m per participant.

Lunch is not included, however there are a range of cafes near the venue. 

Course runs 9.30am-4.30pm both days.

For more information visit www.connectingthroughplay.org and www.icdl.com

DIRFloortime's Evidence-Base

MERHIT Study using DIRFloortime