Events

2024 INTERNATIONAL DIRFLOORTIME® CONFERENCE

REGISTER HERE

2024 INTERNATIONAL DIRFLOORTIME® CONFERENCE

REGISTER HERE

STAR Institute Virtual Summit: Supporting Caregivers and Families in their Sensory Health Journey

REGISTER HERE

DIR 120 – Choosing Play: Setting Up for Success Across the Lifespan offered by ICDL

REGISTER HERE

* There will be no meetings on January 1 (New Year’s Day), January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. holiday), February 19 (President’s Day), March 11 (March Break), April 1 (Easter), May 20 (Victoria Day), May 27 (Memorial Day)

Note: The first Monday of each month will feature a guest expert to offer additional support. January 8th: Autistic Self-Advocate, Dr. Emile Gouws, February 5th: Licensed Professional Counselor, Dave Nelson, March 4th: Speech/Language Therapist Bridget Palmer, April 8th: Infant Mental Health Specialist, Colette Ryan, May 6th: Parent Advocate, Kim Kredich, June 3rd: Bodymind Practitioner, Yuji Oka

Evening meetings 2024 (* subject to change): Thursday at 9pm on January 18, February 1, February 29, April 4, May 2, June 13

Musical interaction IS interaction, musical relatedness IS relatedness and musical communication IS communication. This course will provide participants with learning opportunities focused on facilitating musical-play interactions with their children through the use of percussion and singing. The course is designed for parents who would like to use music to foster self-regulation, engagement, and purposeful two-way communication.

Instructional method: Live Online lecture with video examples and live musical demonstrations.

Prerequisite: None

Wednesday, OCT 25: 4:00-5:30pm Bringing it Back to the Model: The Second Annual DIR/Floortime Game Show! (Daria Brown joins ICDL DIR Training Leaders)

Saturday, OCT 28: 10:00-11:30am Revisiting the ‘R’: Hidden Regulators in the Development of Relationships (Live Affect Autism Podcast) (Daria Brown with guest Dr. Ira Glovinsky)

AFFECT AUTISM Member Discussion #2 content will be ‘Floortime and Relationships’ with material based on the following blog posts and podcasts:

• The ‘R’ in the DIR model: Relationship-based 
• Floortime as a Family Approach
• Being versus Doing 
• Floortime with Family or Small Groups
• The Heart of DIR/Floortime: The ‘R’ and Genuine Affect 
• Floortime Lifestyle 

The reason I chose this time is because it’s a Saturday, which tends to be more flexible for many, and because it allows people from around the world to attend. It’s 6:00AM Pacific time, 2:00PM/3:00PM in UK/Europe, and 9:00 to 11:00PM in Australia. It’s the only time that ‘sort of’ fits all time zones for almost all of you!

GET THE SLIDES FROM THE PRESENTATION HERE

AFFECT AUTISM Member Discussion #1 content will focus on the ‘Floortime Mindset’ referring to material from the following Affect Autism blog/podcasts:

• A developmental approach overview
• Early Social-Emotional Capacities
• The Conversation
• Where is your focus?
• Intention in a Developmental Approach
• Self-Reg and DIR/Floortime

GET THE SLIDES FROM THE PRESENTATION HERE

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. January 9th: Psychologist Gil Tippy and February 6th we have a non-DIR self-advocate guest Khylil Robinson and his autism advocate mother, Chele Abraham-Montgomery!

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. November 7th: Occupational Therapist Gretchen Kamke and December 5th: Special Educator Jackie Bartell. 

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. September 12th: Colette Ryan and October 3rd: Autistic Self-advocate, Kieran Rose. 

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

Bringing It Back to the Model, the Original Floortime Gameshow

STEPHANIE PETERS, OT/L, DIR-EXPERT

I will be a part of Stephanie’s Gameshow presentation.

Choosing Play: Applying a DIR/Floortime Approach in Your Family

DARIA BROWN, MA, DIR-ADVANCED

DIR/Floortime is a parent-mediated approach that can be applied in various settings of everyday life by caregivers. Participants will see a case study of how DIR/Floortime was applied in one family over a 10-year period and how caregivers can mediate their interactions with their autistic child throughout the phases of the child’s development by taking into account their individual sensory processing profiles and individual differences, and by using their relationship with their child to foster a sense of safety and security.

The Music of Human Interactions: Coaching parents in the use of music in DIRFloortime® to foster interpersonal connections

I will be presenting a pre-recorded talk at this conference entitled, ‘Advocacy for your Child Starts with your Connection‘.

* PLEASE NOTE THE TEMPORARY CHANGE TO THURSDAYS FOR THE SUMMER *

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. July 7th: SLP Katie Shepherd and Aug 4th: SLP Bridget Palmer. 

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. May 2nd: Dr. John Carpente and June 6th: Dr. Kathy Platzman

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

This course will be offered again in the future. Stay tuned.

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. March 14th: Jackie Bartell and April 4th: Bridget Palmer

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. January 10th: Psychologist Gil Tippy February 7th: Kasheena Holder, DIR Home Program

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. November 1st: Bridget Palmer, SLP December 6th: Colette Ryan, Infant Mental Health Specialist

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! Note: The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. September 13th: Dr. Kathy Platzman; October 4th: Gretchen Kamke

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world!

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers under DIR Clinics HERE or at ICDL’s DIRectory HERE or access ICDL’s DIR Home Program.

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! New! The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. June 7th: SLP Bridget Palmer; July 5th: O.T. Morgan Weissman

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! New! The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. May 3rd: Psychologist Amanda Kriegel

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! New! The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. March 1st: Jackie Bartell; April 8th: Mike Fields

These are free drop-in support meetings for families who are using Floortime with their children. Parenting a child with developmental differences can be a new challenge for some parents. Let us help you find the connection and joy with your child as you support their developmental process. Daria Brown from Affect Autism facilitates these sessions. Daria is a parent and holds an Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime. Come to one or come to all…it is up to you. Start at any point. We are here for you when you need the support, guidance, or just to share stories and experiences.​ These meetings are open to caregivers from anywhere around the world! New! The first week of each month will feature a DIR Expert Training Leader to offer additional support. February: Bridget Palmer

Meeting times are changing for the month of November due to the ICDL 2020 Conference:

Mondays November 2, 9, 23 at 3:00-4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Monday November 16 at 12 noon – 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Thursday, December 3rd at 12 noon – 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Back to regular time Monday December 7th and 14th at 1:00-2:00pm Eastern Standard Time

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Building Floortime Families – An Introduction to DIR and DIR/Floortime for Parents

This is an introductory course specifically designed for parents that provides an overview of the Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model and Floortime. During the course, we will review the theory, research, and practice. Parents will gain an understanding of what Floortime is and why it works so well. We hope you can join us for this six week class. The price for this six week class is $99 U.S.

An Ongoing DIRFloortime® Support, Education, and Coaching Opportunity for Parents

This is a parent peer support program led by D. Brown from Affect Autism, ICDL’s Parent Advocate. She is a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum and holds a Master’s degree and an Advanced DIRFloortime® Certificate.

Parents often feel stressed and confused about how to best help their child on the Autism spectrum flourish and grow. These support sessions are designed to allow for parents to discuss these issues while learning more about Floortime and how a DIR® approach can help their child and their family.

The live online sessions will take place twice a month for a total of six sessions: November 8, 22, Dec 6, Jan 10, 24, and Feb 7. Each session will be 90 minutes. Pre-requisite: An Introductory Course in DIR®

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers HERE.

Building Floortime Families – An Introduction to DIR and DIR/Floortime for Parents

This is an introductory course specifically designed for parents that provides an overview of the Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model and Floortime. During the course, we will review the theory, research, and practice. Parents will gain an understanding of what Floortime is and why it works so well. We hope you can join us for this six week class. The price for this six week class is $85 U.S.

An Ongoing DIRFloortime® Support, Education, and Coaching Opportunity for Parents

This is a parent peer support program led by D. Brown from Affect Autism, ICDL’s Parent Advocate. She is a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum and holds an Advanced DIRFloortime® Certificate.

Parents often feel stressed and confused about how to best help their child on the Autism spectrum flourish and grow. These support sessions are designed to allow for parents to discuss these issues while learning more about Floortime and how a DIR® approach can help their child and their family.

The live online sessions will take place twice a month for a total of six sessions: July 12, 26, Sep 13, 27, Oct 11, 25. Each session will be 90 minutes. Pre-requisite: An Introductory Course in DIR®

Please note: This is not a clinical treatment program. This is a parent-led support service. ICDL strongly encourages parents to also obtain professional clinical support from a DIRFloortime provider. You can search for providers HERE.

Engaging and Respecting Autism: A Pathway to Understanding and Engaging a Child with Autism is a 90-minute LIVE ONLINE Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime®.

This presentation will explore how DIR® and DIRFloortime® can help families and professionals better engage, respect, and understand Autism. Jeffrey Guenzel, MA is a Professional Counselor and the CEO of ICDL and Kathleen Platzman, PhD is a Psychologist, ICDL’s Clinical Director, and Expert DIR® Training Leader. Each presenter brings over 25 years of experience and knowledge. They will be joined by ICDL’s new Parent Advocate, D. Brown. The price for this class is only $10 U.S.

Building Floortime Families – An Introduction to DIR® and DIR/Floortime® for Parents

This is an introductory course specifically designed for parents that provides an overview of DIR and DIR/Floortime. During the course, we will review the theory, research, and practice. Parents will gain an understanding of what Floortime is and why it works so well. We hope you can join us for this six week class. The price for this six week class is $80 U.S.

Engaging and Respecting Autism: A Pathway to Understanding and Engaging a Child with Autism is a 90-minute LIVE ONLINE Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime®.

This presentation will explore how DIR® and DIRFloortime® can help families and professionals better engage, respect, and understand Autism. Jeffrey Guenzel, MA is a Professional Counselor and the CEO of ICDL and Kathleen Platzman, PhD is a Psychologist, ICDL’s Clinical Director, and Expert DIR® Training Leader. Each presenter brings over 25 years of experience and knowledge. They will be joined by ICDL’s new Parent Advocate, Daria Brown.