What Is DIR?

DIR is the Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based model (pronounced saying each letter initialised as D.I.R). It was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan to provide a foundational framework for understanding human development. It explains the critical role of social-emotional development starting at birth and continuing throughout the lifespan. It also provides a framework for understanding how each person

individually perceives and interacts with the world differently. The model highlights the power of relationships and emotional connections to fuel development. Through a deep understanding of the ‘D’ and the ‘I’ we can use the ‘R’ to promote healthy development and help every child and person reach their fullest potential.

DIR is rooted in the science of human development and can sound very technical at times. However, it is also very simple. It is a pathway to promote healthy development in a respectful manner that builds connections, understanding, love, communication and engagement.

The objectives of the DIR model are to build healthy foundations for social, emotional and intellectual capacities rather than focusing exclusively on skills and isolated behaviours.

· The ‘D’ describes development from the perspective of the individual, where they are and where they are headed. Understanding this unique developmental process means allowing space for each person to be respected and guided in his or her own personal developmental journey.

· The ‘I’ describes the unique ways each person takes in, regulates, responds to and comprehends the world around them.

· The ‘R’ describes how relationships fuel our development. Humans are social beings and relationships are a key in our human development. DIR harnesses the key affective (emotional) aspect of these relationships to promote development.

Understanding DIR can help us promote healthy development in all children, but it is especially powerful in helping children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental or emotional challenges.

On completion of an Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime® participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least three common features of autism and other challenges of relating and communicating.

2. Identify at least four key features of relationship-based approaches.

3. Describe all 6 Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs) in the DIR® model and potential challenges that children face at each capacity.

4. Describe at least three characteristics of how individual differences (the "I" in DIR®), including health, sensory processing, and regulatory challenges, can impact a child's development.

5. Identify at least three key principles and basic strategies of Floortime.

6. Describe at least three characteristics of relationship and family in the DIR® model.

7. Describe the essential role of affect as it is related to the D, the I, and the R.

THIS SESSION IS SUITABLE FOR:

OTs at any career stage interested in learning the DIRFloortime approach to enhance their paediatric therapy skills.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

DATE:

Friday 1st August - Saturday 2nd August 2025 (2 days)

TIME:

8:00am – 4:00pm

Registration commences at 7:30am each day

VENUE:

Novotel Melbourne Preston

212 Bell Street

Preston VIC 3072

GETTING TO THE VENUE:

Just 20 minutes from both the Melbourne CBD and the airport, the hotel is conveniently accessible, has 600 onsite parking spaces and public transport options within walking distance. There is a bus stop just opposite, the train station 10 minutes by foot. and the 86 tram just minutes away. The tram is a great way to explore Melbourne. It will take you to the CBD en route to some of the coolest neighbourhoods as you travel along Northcote’s High Street, Collingwood and Fitzroy.

CPD HOURS

A certificate of attendance will be issued by ICDL upon completion of the full course.

INCLUSIONS

The following are included in your registration: 

Morning and afternoon tea is provided.

Lunch will not be provided and is the responsibility of each participant.

REGISTRATION FEES 

STANDARD – $490

IMPORTANT: Please use the promo code OTAFIFTY when you register to get $50 off!


To register please click here 2025T2101JGDT-MELBOURNE and use promo code OTAFIFTY

Please note you will be redirected to the ICDL website to register. Pricing is in AUD but payment will be processed in the United States which may attract an overseas transaction fee from your bank.

DISCLAIMER 

All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, and changes.  

All resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.  

An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or info@otaus.com.au

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here

CONTACT US 

Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878