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.

We provide counselling services for individuals, couples, and families, with special training and support for behavioural and emotional challenges through play therapy, art therapy, and parenting consultation. Our seasoned therapists take a trauma-informed approach to their work and bring a variety of post-graduate training and certifications to best serve your needs.

我們為個人、伴侶和家庭提供輔導服務，並收到專門的培訓，針對行為和情緒挑戰提供支持，包括遊戲療法、藝術療法和育兒諮詢。我們經驗豐富的治療師以創傷知情的方式開展工作，並擁有各種高級培訓和認證，以更有效地輔助您的需求。

Looking to Expand Your Toolkit with Somatic Practices to Empower Neurodivergent Children & Youth?

Join our Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher Training for a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming approach.

Led by a multi-disciplinary team of educators, yoga teachers, Registered Social Worker, and Registered Clinical Counsellor, this training is rooted in nervous system science and somatic awareness—helping you empower young clients in their sense of safety and wellbeing.

You’ll learn age appropriate somatic practices, yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and more to support co-regulation, social-emotional literacy, and body awareness.

Our program honours the wisdom and autonomy of the child, while giving you practical tools to create brave, engaging spaces where children feel seen, empowered, and connected to their bodies.

This training is a combination of in-person and live-online, supporting you in getting real experience teaching children.

Go here to learn more: https://glowithin.ca/kids-yoga-teacher-training

We research autism with and for the autistic community. Our Spring and Summer camps are geared towards autistic youth and are free-of-cost for families as they are research grant-funded.

The SFU ADDL lab is hosting FREE research camps this March for adolescents (ages 6-11 years) with or without a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The camps have been approved by the SFU Research Ethics Board and will run on March 18th-21st and 25th-28th at SFU’s Burnaby campus from 8:30AM-2:30PM. To register your child(ren), please use this link: https://sfufas.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4UFp429PaecjEvc

Prirodno Lečenje is a comprehensive website dedicated to natural health and wellness. It provides evidence-informed tips, remedies, and treatments for various health issues, promoting safe and effective natural methods. The site serves as an educational resource for students, educators, and anyone interested in holistic approaches to health.

The Canadian Abilities Foundation envisions an inclusive, universally accessible society. Our mission is to advocate, educate, build awareness and deliver effective,
well-run programs that support youth and adults with disabilities and their families and caregivers.

Our commitment is to:
• Actively uplift our community by promoting inclusivity and delivering programs that enhance the lives of individuals
with disabilities and those living with the effects of aging.
• Continuously improve our programs and actively listen to feedback as we strive to make a lasting and positive impact.
• Foster improved accessibility, increased opportunities and an enhanced quality of life for everyone.

Our programs include:
Publishing and Education – a participating network of over 500,000 Canadians with 4 magazine titles, social networks and websites.

Financial for Literacy for Youth with Disabilities – a program to educate and mitigate financial risk for young graduates.

Youth Internship Employment Program – over 100 graduates to date.

Return to Work – supports for caregivers and vulnerable adults and children.

Accessibility Mapping – highlighting accessible places and offering community education.

The Caregivers Club – connecting 30,000 plus caregivers from coast-to-coast.

Canada Cares Awards and One Wish Awards – recognition and financial supports.

The Canadian Abilities Foundation (CAF) is a registered Canadian charity. CAF was founded in 1986.

Mitch and Murray Productions is a professional theatre company based in Vancouver, BC. Founded in 2012, our company produces provocative, engaging, contemporary plays from the great playwrights of the global stage. We pride ourselves on our community building as well, providing scholarships for emerging performers and acting workshops for the neurodiverse community.

Mitch and Murray Productions is proud to present ACTING ATYPICAL, a foundational exploration of acting for teens and adults on the autism spectrum. The exciting program was created by our artistic director Aaron Craven and he hosts the class throughout the season, with guest coaches from our company also teaching periodically.

In this workshop, participants explore the world of acting. In a supportive and sensory-friendly environment, Aaron guides students through an introductory look at acting, the differences between acting on camera and stage, and much more. The class includes some fun and interactive improv work, some scripted work in front of the camera and a spirited conversation about the wonderful world of performing. The goal for the workshop is for participants to benefit from the social and emotional tools which acting can provide, to learn a bit about the craft and bottom line, to have fun!

What people are saying –

“I enjoyed the class because of the careful pacing and because other atypicals were involved, which made me feel like less of an outcast. I had a lot of fun, I’d go back in a heartbeat.”

“Aaron Craven was an amazing teacher and very patient with us.”

“I liked the exercises, redirection and advice that Aaron gave us. It was also a small group, which was nice. I prefer classes like this.”

“My son attended the Acting Atypical workshop and it was amazing. I have never picked him up from anything and seen him so happy.”

Our Parent Infant/Toddler Group is a supportive, play-based program designed for families who want to better understand and connect with their little ones. Whether you have concerns about developmental delays, are waiting for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment, or simply want guidance on how to engage your child in meaningful play, this group located in Surrey, British Columbia, offers a gentle, encouraging space to learn and explore together. Through play and connection, we help parents and caregivers support building their child’s early communication skills.

Stories Without Labels is a Nanaimo-based organization dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children, their families, and the professionals who work alongside them. Founded by May Sosa, a psychiatric nurse, educator, and parent of a neurodivergent child, the organization blends clinical expertise with lived experience to provide practical, compassionate, and neurodiversity-affirming resources.

The organization offers a range of services, including parent and caregiver workshops, professional development training for educators and support workers, children’s books focused on neurodiversity and emotional understanding, digital learning resources, and community education initiatives. All services are grounded in evidence-informed practices such as co-regulation, trauma-informed care, and nervous system awareness, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and real-life application.

Stories Without Labels is best known for its Co-Regulation for Neurodivergent Families workshops, which provide parents, caregivers, and professionals with concrete tools, scripts, and strategies to support children through emotional distress, sensory overload, and challenging transitions. Workshops are designed to be practical, supportive, and applicable across home, school, and community settings, helping adults build emotional safety, strengthen connection, and reduce overwhelm for the entire family system.

At UP Early Intervention Clinic, we believe that every child deserves meaningful connections and access to the effective supports that allow them to thrive. And we know that anything is possible when we do it together.

We specialize in early intervention and parent coaching to support young neurodivergent children to communicate, connect with others, learn, and grow to reach their potential.

Our Programs
In-clinic therapy program: early, intensive behavioural intervention program where children are supported by our skilled team. We primarily use naturalistic, developmental behavioural intervention, the Early Start Denver Model, and compassionate Applied Behaviour Analysis approaches.
Parent coaching: offers flexible support for families to help you help your child in everyday routines and interactions, or to support your through the difficult moments with compassion.
Early start playgroup: offers coaching in effective strategies to support your child’s development in a relaxed, fun group class
Our classes like social groups and playdates provide support in skills needed to build connections with others in fun, social settings