The DIR Model: Facilitating Learning in Children With Autism
The key to
effective learning at schools for children with an autism spectrum disorder or
ASD is based on teaching them how to relate and communicate with others. A lack
of these basic developmental capacities, typically acquired from birth till the
age of four to five, is the root cause of the social and academic challenges
faces by autistic children. The DIR model or Developmental,
Individual-Difference, Relationship-based model, developed by Dr. Stanley
Greenspan, allows for assessing where an autistic child lies on the proposed
developmental scale and forming an intervention plan.
The DIR model
provides a framework within which clinicians, educators and parents can assess
the challenges and strengths of an autistic child. The model allows for
developing healthy foundations for social, emotional and cognitive skill
development. Let us explore what each term in the Developmental,
Individual-Difference, Relationship-based model stands for.
‘Developmental’
The DIR model
proposes six developmental levels that a child is believed to reach on a
natural basis from birth till the age of four to five. Children with autism may
reach these levels on a delayed basis, or may need assistance in order to be
able to do so. Gauging where the autistic child lies on the developmental scale
can help schools and therapy centers provide developmentally-appropriate
guidance to the child.
‘Individual-Difference’
Autistic children
tend to face certain biological challenges that may impact how they process and
interact with their environment. The application of the DIR model to aid an
autistic child’s development involves ascertaining the child’s unique sensory
processing issues as well as motor planning and sequencing challenges. These
differences between the sensory and motor challenges of a child are referred to
as ‘individual differences’. Academic and therapeutic interventions are based
upon these individual differences.
‘Relationship’
The forming of a
trustworthy relationship with an autistic child is of paramount importance to
enable the child to reach crucial developmental milestones. As these children
find it difficult to relate to and communicate with others, it is essential to
try to become a part of their world and welcome them to be a part of yours,
through warm interactions, to enable learning and holistic development.
The DIR model helps
take into account a child’s unique differences and developmental capacities for
providing them with suitable assistance and for remedying the challenges faced
by them. The interventions are conducted in the form of emotionally meaningful
learning interactions that are built upon a child’s interests and motivation.
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