【Webinar】Introducing Floortime #01 (May 22, 2025)

Introducing Floortime #01 is an introductory webinar designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone interested in child development and neurodiversity.

Do you ever wonder why your child behaves in a certain way? Does it concern you when you notice the differences between your child and their peers?

Floortime is here to support you—not by changing how you or your child should behave, but by strengthening your bond through your child's unique interests. Instead of focusing on “how children should behave,” we shift the perspective to “how we can build meaningful relationships with them.”

By embracing individuality and fostering development in a nurturing environment, we create opportunities for growth, learning, and deeper connection—one step at a time.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025

• Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (JST)

• Format: Online (Zoom meeting)

• Fee: Free

• Language: English

• Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/c0WfPONERnWQ7oi0H7QTqA#/registration

Agenda:

• Introducing Floortime by Jeff Guenzel (40 mins)

• Q&A (20 mins)

Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Guenzel

CEO of the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL)

DIRFloortime® is an approach that supports individual development through a respectful, joyful, and engaging process. It harnesses the power of human relationships and connection to help individuals improve self-regulation, engagement, and communication skills. The goal is to foster the ability to solve social problems collaboratively, think creatively and logically, and engage in reflective reasoning.

Based on the DIR® model of human development, this evidence-based approach is used worldwide by teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, mental health professionals, and parents working with individuals with developmental challenges. While applicable to all ages, it is especially effective for children with ASD.

This approach is grounded in the idea that rich emotional experiences are essential for mental and neurological growth. “Following the child’s lead” means tuning into their emotional world—understanding what brings them joy and what sparks their interest. These interests offer a gateway into their emotional experience. The first step is to carefully observe and attune to their emotional state. Once we understand their interests, we can use them to support growth. This method helps guide children in the most effective and meaningful ways.