DIR Support Services



		Services What we offer An integrated approach to developmental, learning, and emotional challenges healthy development and natural strengths The Philosophy and Approach DIR support services are based on the Developmental Individual Difference Relationship-based model (DIR), developed by Stanley Greenspan, MD and Serena Weider, Ph.D. This model, which is also referred to as Floortime, focuses on children’s challenges as well as natural strengths. It includes the child’s natural way of processing experiences and information (auditory, language, and visual spatial processing, motor planning, and sensory modulation) mastering the stages of relating, thinking, and communicating engaging in learning relationships Unique features of DIR Support Services Each child will receive a comprehensive evaluation and intervention program. The program will be based on a unique curriculum developed by Stanley Greespan, MD in collaboration with the program co-directors Tim Bleecker and Jake Greenspan. The intervention program will promote the child's overall development strengthen both basic processing capacities and multiple levels of reflective thinking foster mastery of existing challenges Challenges Addressed Problems in relating, thinking, and communicating seen in children with autistic spectrum disorders and other pervasive developmental challenges Learning challenges (math, reading, oral and written expression) Attentional problems, including sequencing and planning actions, following directions, and solving problems (executive functioning) Thinking difficulties, including analytical reasoning and constructing written and oral essays Motor skills, motor planning, and visual spatial processing difficulties Auditory processing and language problems Sensory modulation and self regulation difficulties Social skills and behavior regulations, including skills in cooperation sharing and enjoying social relationships reading and responding to social signals peer relationships and participation in groups Types of Services One-on-one work in the areas described Small groups for the development of social skills Guidance for parents and other caregivers on home programs Consultations to home, school daycare, and other programs Special techniques include Floortime strategies Affect Based Language Curriculum (ABLC) Interactive Metronome training And additional innovative approaches Workshops Individually designed for each organization Focus on understanding of DIR Model, Floortime techniques, and Floortime coaching sessions On site social worker works with families Works with families Facilitates parent support group Occupational Therapist The DIR support program will complement specific therapies such as speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and psychotherapy and other mental health treatments. It will also complement special education and learning disability programs as well as regular educational programs. DIR Support Services is an educational program, and is not intended to offer medical or clinical diagnoses or medical treatments.