Empowering individuals of all ages across the LA metro area with personalized, evidence-based therapies to foster independence, connection, and lifelong growth
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DIR / Floortime™ therapy;
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Parent/Teacher trainings & professional development;
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Community integration
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Therapeutic companion
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Social skills training
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Behavior intervention
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Adaptive Skills Services
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Executive Functioning Coaching
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Independent Living 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.
DIR Objectives
"Let's help our children become the poets of their inner lives."
- Dr. Stanley Greenspan
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.
Floortime focuses on six key milestones to promote emotional and intellectual development, namely:
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Emotional Ideas
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Emotional thinking
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Engagement
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Shared Attention
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Two-way purposeful interaction (with gestures)
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Two-way purposeful problem-solving interaction
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.
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 companion 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.
Behavior Intervention
We use Positive Behavior Support Strategies to teach clients:
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Coping & Self-Regulation
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Compliance
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Attention to Task
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Social Communication
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Adaptive & Play Skills
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 after school/extracurricular program.
Our 1:1 Social Skills Services Focus On:
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Building conversation and active listening skills
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Understanding social cues, tone, and body language
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Practicing emotional regulation in social situations
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Developing confidence in peer interactions
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Learning appropriate boundaries and personal space
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Conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies
Our Group Social Skills Programs Include:
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Structured peer interactions in small groups
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Cooperative games and team-building activities
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Role-playing real-life social scenarios Practicing turn-taking, sharing, and group conversation
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Building empathy, perspective-taking, and self-awareness
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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.
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:
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Money management and budgeting
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Time management and scheduling
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Meal planning and cooking
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Personal hygiene and self-care routines
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Public transportation training and travel safety
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Community integration and social skills
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Organization and household maintenance
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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.
School Consultation & Teacher Training
Collaborative, Relationship-Based Support for Inclusive Classrooms and Student Success.
Partnering with Schools to Build Inclusive Learning Communities
At Mindful Education Services, we partner with schools, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to create supportive, inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.
Our school consultation and teacher training services are grounded in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming practices that emphasize collaboration, practical strategies, and sustainable systems of support.
We work alongside administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to strengthen classroom practices, improve student engagement, and build staff confidence in supporting diverse learners. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, we tailor our consultation and professional development to the unique needs of each school, classroom, and student population.
Services May Include
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Classroom observations and collaborative consultation
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Teacher coaching and classroom-based support
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Neurodiversity-affirming practices
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DIR/Floortime-informed strategies
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Positive behavior support and proactive classroom management
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Inclusive classroom design and environmental supports
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Executive functioning and self-regulation strategies
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Communication and social-emotional development
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Sensory-informed classroom supports
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Student-specific intervention planning
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IEP team collaboration and consultation
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Professional development workshops for educators and staff
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Parent-school collaboration strategies
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Support for transitions and school participation
Our Philosophy
We believe the most meaningful change happens through strong relationships and collaborative problem-solving. By empowering educators with practical, evidence-informed strategies, we help schools build inclusive environments where students, families, and staff feel supported, respected, and successful.
Relationship-Based Fitness & Mentorship for Neurodivergent Children, Teens, and Adults
Building confidence, independence, and lifelong wellness through movement, meaningful relationships, and individualized support.
Fitness, Movement & Mentorship
At Mindful Education Services, we believe movement is about much more than exercise—it is a pathway to confidence, connection, emotional regulation, and lifelong independence. Our relationship-based fitness and mentorship program is designed for neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults, providing individualized experiences that honor each person's strengths, interests, and goals.
Using a compassionate, strengths-based approach, we integrate movement, functional fitness, play, and meaningful community experiences to support executive functioning, self-regulation, social communication, body awareness, and overall well-being. Every session is built on trust, collaboration, and genuine relationships, creating opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop healthy habits, strengthen life skills, and experience success in ways that are meaningful to them.
Whether we're exploring a local park, practicing functional movement, working toward personal fitness goals, or simply building confidence through shared experiences, our focus remains the same: empowering individuals to thrive at home, in their communities, and throughout every stage of life.
Movement. Connection. Confidence. Growth. These are the foundations of meaningful change.
Independent Living Services (ILS) – Ages 18+
Relationship-Based Coaching for Meaningful Independence, Community Inclusion, and Lifelong Growth
Empowering Adults to Live with Confidence, Independence, and Purpose
At Mindful Education Services, our Independent Living Services (ILS) support neurodivergent adults (18 years and older) in developing the skills, confidence, and independence needed to lead meaningful, self-directed lives. We believe that every adult deserves opportunities to grow, make choices, build relationships, and actively participate in their community.
Our relationship-based approach recognizes that independence looks different for every person. Rather than focusing solely on teaching tasks, we work alongside each participant to build confidence, strengthen adaptive skills, foster self-advocacy, and create meaningful experiences that align with their personal goals, interests, and aspirations.
Our experienced mentors provide individualized support in participants' homes and throughout the community, helping adults develop practical life skills while encouraging autonomy, problem-solving, and community participation. Every service is personalized, respectful, and designed to empower individuals to live fulfilling and connected lives.
Our ILS Services Include:
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Adaptive skill development
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Independent living and daily living skills
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Meal planning and healthy cooking
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Budgeting and money management
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Community integration and social participation
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Public transportation and travel training
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Employment readiness and workplace support
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Executive functioning and organizational strategies
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Self-advocacy and decision-making
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Social communication and relationship development
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Health, wellness, and fitness mentoring
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Recreation and leisure planning
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Safety awareness and problem-solving
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Technology and digital literacy
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Goal setting and person-centered planning
Our Philosophy
At Mindful Education Services, we believe independence is about more than learning daily living skills—it is about building confidence, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for individuals to live the lives they choose.
Through compassionate mentorship, individualized coaching, and relationship-based support, we empower adults to increase their independence, strengthen community connections, and achieve their personal goals while honoring their unique strengths, preferences, and abilities.
Community Integration
Relationship-Based Support for Community Participation, Meaningful Relationships, and Lifelong Inclusion.
Building Connections. Creating Belonging. Living Meaningfully.
At Mindful Education Services, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to actively participate in their community, build meaningful relationships, and experience a sense of belonging. Our Community Integration program supports neurodivergent adolescents and adults in developing the confidence, skills, and independence needed to engage successfully in everyday community life.
Through a relationship-based, strengths-focused approach, our mentors provide individualized support while encouraging participants to explore their interests, develop new experiences, and become active members of their communities. We recognize that true inclusion goes beyond simply being present—it means feeling connected, valued, and empowered to participate in meaningful ways.
Our services are tailored to the individual's goals, interests, and support needs, helping participants build confidence while developing practical life skills in natural community settings.
Community Integration Services May Include:
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Building friendships and meaningful social connections
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Participating in community events and recreational activities
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Developing communication and social interaction skills
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Accessing libraries, parks, museums, fitness centers, and community resources
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Shopping, banking, and everyday community living skills
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Using public transportation safely and independently
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Dining out and practicing community etiquette
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Volunteering and civic engagement opportunities
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Exploring hobbies and personal interests
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Increasing self-confidence in community environments
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Building self-advocacy and decision-making skills
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Health, wellness, and community fitness activities
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Planning and participating in leisure activities
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Developing safe community awareness and problem-solving skills
Our Philosophy
Community is where relationships grow, confidence develops, and opportunities emerge. At Mindful Education Services, we believe that meaningful participation happens through genuine relationships, individualized support, and experiences that build independence while honoring each person's strengths, interests, and identity.
Our goal is to empower individuals to become confident, connected, and engaged members of their communities while living lives filled with purpose, choice, and meaningful experiences.
