There are two popular interventions for children with developmental disorders- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Developmental Individual-Differences Relationship Based model (DIR or DIR/Floortime). While I practice behavior analysis on my job, my doctoral program advocates the DIR model which suites my personality. The focus on parent-child relationship in the therapeutic process draws me to the DIR model.
The DIR model focuses on Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs). It is assumed that humans generally have the capacity to function at different levels emotionally at various stages in life.
When a child has a developmental disorder or delay, the child functions below his/her emotional capacity. The child may not communicate and interact with peers in a typical way. The child lives below his or her potentials.
Adults also function below their emotional developmental capacities. Some adults are self-absorbed, they have difficulty empathizing with others. They live in a world of me, myself, and I.
The DIR model assumes that one can help a child master or reach an emotional developmental capacity and other developmental milestones by using the child’s strengths. If the child is a visual learner, one can maximize this strength to improve social skills and verbal communication skills. The beauty of this model is that parents are taught how to play with their children in ways that can improve their children’s social and emotional well being.
The DIR model reminds me of our capacities as children of God which is far beyond what we can imagine. However, many of us are functioning below our capacities. We have the capacity to do many humanly impossible things but we do not. Sometimes, we our spiritual growth is stunted by lukewarmness. Sometimes, we forget that there is always something to aim for in our walk with God.
Many times, we focus on our weaknesses (flesh/humanness) than our strengths (God in us and who we are in Christ). God wants us to focus on our strengths in Him, not our limitations. Until we begin to focus on our strengths, we will keep functioning or living life below what God intended for us.
This year, I am determined to live the best life possible. I am reaching for whatever God says I can have spiritually and physically.
My prayer is that our eyes will be opened to our spiritual capacities and we will live fully conscious of our strengths in Jesus. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NKJV)
But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
PS: There is a lot going on behind the scene. I am cooking something beautiful. Stay tuned my friends. Thank you for your support.
Awesome temi, great tips for parents. You are doing well with your parenting blog. I am pretty sure it will help many parents.
Thank you! I appreciate your comments.
Pleasures mine Temi
Focusing on our strengths is definitely key. As much as we keep growing through our weaknesses, focusing all our attention on the limitations won’t get us anywhere. What we focus on becomes our reality.
Amen. I like your final statement. That’s the truth!
This is so interesting! I’ve never heard of DIR and how playing with kids can build their strengths. Another post about that specific type of play would be fascinating! But I love the analogy too! Focusing on HIS strength instead of our weakness leads us to growth too 💕👏
Thank you for reflecting with me.💕 I will do my best to write a post based on your suggestion.
Can’t wait!