About DIR

At Legacy, we have standardized our clinical methodology to follow the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based approach (DIR). DIR is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that focuses on the emotional development of each child. The model highlights the power of relationships and emotional connections to fuel development and takes the uniqueness of every child and family into account in order to promote healthy emotional development as a base for learning.

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DIR Objectives

The objectives of the DIR model are to build solid foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing exclusively on skills and isolated behaviors. Below you’ll learn more about each individual DIR objective: 

• Developmental

  • ​​Understanding the unique developmental process means allowing space for each person to be respected and guided in his or her own personal development journey. 

• Interdisciplinary

  • This refers to the unique ways each person takes in, regulates, responds to, and comprehends the world around them.

• Relationships

  • Relationships are key to promote the development of human beings. Taking into account the power of relationships, DIR integrates the child’s caregivers into the practice plan. 

 

Floortime®

“Floortime®" is at the heart of the DIR model. It is a methodology in which the adult works together with the child to assist mastering the development of his/her functional capacities.

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As the name implies, "Floortime®" occurs when a therapist sits on the floor with the child and caregiver to observe, play, and learn. Adopted from Dr. Stanley Greenspan's renowned "Greenspan Floortime®" approach, the aim of this activity is to challenge children to develop their skills beyond their initial diagnosis. Through this method, our qualified therapist interacts with the child to identify his or her strengths and abilities in a space that they feel comfortable being themselves. 

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At Legacy, our family-centered approach encourages caregivers to join in and participate in the activity; this helps create a warm and supportive environment that not only encourages the child, but also allows those teachings to be applied by the caregiver at home. Through this opportunity, parents are able to learn how to follow the natural interest of their child, recognize whatever is pleasurable for them, foster the interaction, promote problem-solving, creativity, and logical and reflective thinking. 

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In working hand-in-hand with the caregiver, the therapist is able to identify the child's unique abilities, and subsequently, provide the appropriate services for the child to best develop forward intellectually and emotionally. 

 

Through this practice, parents become skillful in creating opportunities to promote their child’s higher levels of emotional functioning while respecting his or her individual differences. In addition, by playing, parents take an active role observing, respecting, understanding, and most importantly, connecting with the child. At Legacy, "Floortime®" is fundamentally transformed into an exciting family adventure that allows a chance to explore the ideas of the child. 

 

For more information about our services, please contact us directly.