Pathways to Healthy Development + DIR© Training

York University’s Faculty of Education and Milton & Ethel Harris Research Initiative present a 3-part course on supporting the healthy development of a child's mind. Participants will be introduced to cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience on development, play, and social interaction. The perspective to be explored emphasizes the promotion of mental health and prevention rather than illness. Special Education issues will be interpreted in the light of this developmental pathways model.
Part I (Fall 2009) introduces basic concepts of the model as it is applied to infants, toddlers, and elementary school aged children. Part II (Spring 2010) focuses on autism and introduces participants to the DIR model of intervention. Part III is an internship in DIR with the Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative’s autism treatment program. The internship is supported by the Interdisciplinary Council for Developmental and Learning Disorders and thus fulfills the requirements of the DIR B and DIR C Part I courses. Successful completion of Part III will allow participants to stand for the DIR C final examination.