Description:

DIRFloortime is both a framework and an intervention that offers us an empowering, respectful and optimistic lens for supporting development across the lifespan utilizing the power of relationships and playful interactions. It is a model that opens the possibilities for meaningful relationships through its’ Developmental, Individual Differences and Relationship based lens.

Presenter:

Helen Groth is a British trained, dynamic special educator and DIRFloortime® training leader currently living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Although she hails from the UK Helen spent many years living and working in Singapore. Helen uses the developmental framework of DIRFloortime®, combined with expertise gained from 30 years dedicated to nurturing the fullest potential of each child she works with. It excites Helen to collaborate with caregivers to promote their child’s development meaningfully through play and create a strong foundation for success across life. Helen runs a DIR® accredited business and has funding for her Floortime® work with families through the Wisconsin CLTS program. Her work is rooted in relationships: building trust with families through respectful interactions. She is a life-long student who is always reading and learning through additional training and mentorship.

Laura Westbrook, MS OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist and DIRFloortime® training leader living in Charleston, South Carolina. Laura has her own practice, The Affective Collective, where she sees children in their home environment and provides one to one parent coaching. Laura has experience in early intervention, outpatient settings, the NICU, and pediatric acute care. She has advanced training in sensory processing, feeding, trauma informed care, and neurodevelopment treatment that ground her holistic approach to support a child and their family.

Learning Objectives:

Identify at least 4 key features of the DIRFloortime approach

Describe the first 4 FEDC’s (Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities)

Articulate how individual differences impact development

Name at least 6 Floortime strategies supporting attuned, connected relationships