DIRFloortime® Consulting By Zaineb Ghlayem

What is DIR®?

DIR® is the Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based model (pronounced saying each letter as an initialism: D.I.R.). DIR provides a foundational framework for understanding human development and learning, and how each person individually perceives and interacts with the world differently. It outlines the critical role social-emotional development has on overall human development, starting at birth and continuing throughout the lifespan. The model highlights the power of relationships and emotional connections to fuel development. Through a deep understanding of the “D” ( the developmental process) and the “I” (a person’s individual differences) we can use the “R” (human relationships) to promote healthy development and to help everyone reach their fullest potential.

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

DIRFloortime® (Floortime™) is the application of the DIR® model into practice.
While the DIR® model helps us understand and promote the positive development of all children, DIR and DIRFloortime are most commonly utilized with children with educational, social-emotional, mental health, and/or developmental challenges. DIRFloortime has become most widely known as an approach to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). You can read more about DIR and ASD in many books, including “Engaging Autism” and “The Child with Special Needs” by Drs. Greenspan and Weider.

Zaineb Ghlayem, M.Ed., DIR-Expert, is a leader in autism, neurodiversity-affirming practice, and inclusive education. She founded Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy in British Columbia, where she develops relationship-based programs supporting emotional development and meaningful participation for neurodivergent children and youth.

A certified DIRFloortime® Expert and Training Leader through the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning, Zaineb provides professional training, consultation, and program development for educators, therapists, and organizations internationally. Her work focuses on regulation and co-regulation, trauma-informed and PDA-informed supports, and transforming systems toward inclusive, strengths-based practices. Culturally agile and globally informed,

Zaineb works across diverse communities and systems. She is fluent in both Arabic and English, allowing her to support professionals and families across cultures and expand access to neurodiversity-affirming approaches internationally.

Qualifications:

• Master of Education
• BC Independent School Teaching Certificate (SR – Humanities), Canada.
• DIRFloortime® Expert and Training Leader, ICDL, USA.
• Motivational Interviewing, Change Talk BC, Canada.
• Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Canada.
• Autism & Neurodiversity Support, Therapists Neurodiversity Collective, USA.
• Kids Yoga Instructor Training, Kidding Around Yoga, Canada.
• PDA: Neurodiversity-Affirming, Trauma Informed Practice & Supports, Therapists Neurodiversity Collective, USA.