MINDFUL  EDUCATION  SERVICES

What  is  DIR®? 

 

DIR is the Developmental, Individual-differences, & Relationship-based model (pronounced saying  each letter as an initialism: 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 to 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. 

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DIR  OBJECTIVES

 

"Let's help our children become the poets of their inner lives."

  - Dr. Stanley Greenspan

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Based on the DIR® model developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan his colleagues, DIR Floortime (Play Therapy) is an intervention used to promote an individual’s development through a playful, engaging, and fun process. Using the power of human connections and relationships, Ascend Beyond Pediatric and Family Therapy strives to promote positive behaviors, communication, thinking, and engagement. 

In-Home DIR Floortime/Play Therapy can be used to care for individuals with developmental challenges and other related conditions, as well as for those on the autism spectrum.

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Floortime focuses on six key milestones to promote emotional and intellectual development, namely:

• Emotional Ideas

• Emotional thinking

• Engagement

• Shared Attention

• Two-way purposeful interaction (with gestures)

• Two-way purposeful problem-solving interaction

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Floortime occurs in a calm environment – it can be done at home or in a professional setting. It also includes training for parents and caregivers, as well as promoting interaction with the child. Duration of each therapy session may vary.

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SCHOOL - BASED   THERAPEUTIC   COMPANION 
A school-based therapeutic companion, also known as a shadow aide, is someone who attends school with your child navigate and participate in school routine, develop positive peer . The companion can focus on supporting child’s academics functioning, social- emotional regulation, impulse control issues, unique sensory profiles,  social skills and support play skills. The companiom is there to provide your child with as much or as little support as needed to be successful in school. As your child becomes more independent, the companion will gradually reduce their help until your child is able to navigate on their own. 

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BEHAVIOR   INTERVENTION

We use Positive Behavior Support Strategies to teach clients:

• Coping & Self-Regulation

• Compliance

• Attention to Task

• Social Communication

• Adaptive & Play Skills

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COMMUNITY   INTEGRATION

The Therapeutic Community Integration Program supports individuals with a range of intellectual, behavioral, and abilities to realize the most independent and fulfilling life possible.

 

 

 

ADAPTIVE   SKILLS   SERVICES

As a team, we provide adaptive skills training assessments and adaptive skills services to support a range of learners and families. This support service targets practical, everyday skills that enable individuals to function effectively and independently in their environment. Adaptive Skills Training encompasses a range of abilities, including self-care, communication, self-direction, social skills, and functional academics, among others.

 

Adaptive Skills are crucial for daily living, social interactions, and successful participation in various settings, including home, school, work, and the community. Through our work with your family, we will complete a needs assessment first and then work together to create an individualized plan to support the needs of your child!

 

 

 

SOCIAL   SKILLS   TRAINING

Social Skills Training As a team, we provide Social skills assessments and social skills training services to improve social interaction, communication, and overall social competence in individuals on the autism spectrum, among other individualized needs. Our approach focuses on teaching specific social skills, such as moving from parallel play to associative play, moving from associative play to interactive play, and moving from interactive play to cooperative play. This includes learning how to engage in the sharing of play materials, turn-taking, engaging in simple to complex problem solving, sharing of ideas, communicating and collaborating to work towards a common goal.

 

In addition, we will work on conversation skills, including interpreting body language/reading social cues, engaging in a reciprocal back and forth rhythm of connection. While engaged in social interactions, supporting the expression of a wide range of emotions and managing regulation. These support services can be provided in the home with the family, including siblings, neighborhood peers, peer playdates, in a school setting, or in a community based setting such as an afterschool/extracurricular program.

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Our 1:1 Social Skills Services Focus On:

-  Building conversation and active listening skills

-  Understanding social cues, tone, and body language

-  Practicing emotional regulation in social situations

-  Developing confidence in peer interactions

-  Learning appropriate boundaries and personal space

-  Conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies

 

Our Group Social Skills Programs Include:

-  Structured peer interactions in small groups

-  Cooperative games and team-building activities

-  Role-playing real-life social scenarios Practicing turn-taking, sharing, and group conversation

-  Building empathy, perspective-taking, and self-awareness

-  Opportunities to generalize skills in community-based settings.

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE   FUNCTIONING   COACHING

Executive Functioning: We provide targeted executive functioning support to young people and adults, fostering advanced cognitive skills such as strategic planning, flexible thinking, and self-regulation.

 

Our approach strengthens core abilities like organization, time management, and goal-directed behavior—skills essential for academic success, professional growth, and independent living. Through individualized coaching rooted in evidence-based practices, we empower clients to think critically, adapt effectively, and take ownership of their decisions and progress.

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TRAINING INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES (ILS)

We provide individualized Independent Living Skills (ILS) support for adults, designed to promote autonomy, confidence, and long-term success in daily life. Our services are person-centered and goal-driven, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual we serve.

 

Our ILS services include:

-  Money management and budgeting

-  Time management and scheduling

-  Meal planning and cooking

-  Personal hygiene and self-care routines

-  Public transportation training and travel safety

-  Community integration and social skills

-  Organization and household maintenance

-  Support with navigating medical appointments and benefits

 

We work closely with each client to build functional, real-world skills that foster independence at home and in the community. Services can be provided in-home or in the community, based on the individual’s goals and learning style. We provide individual and group-based social skills services designed to help individuals of all ages build meaningful connections, improve communication, and navigate social settings with confidence.

 

Our services are developmentally appropriate, neurodiversity-affirming, and tailored to the unique needs and goals of each participant.

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