DIR 101+ Applying DIRFloortime in Irish Practice

A three-day ICDL-recognised introductory DIRFloortime® course with a strong practical focus for clinicians working in Ireland

Course overview

DIR 101+ is a three-day course that meets the core requirements of ICDL's DIR 101: An Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime® while extending learning into practical application for Irish clinicians and services.

This course is designed for professionals who want more than theory alone. Alongside the required introductory DIR content, participants will explore what relational, neuroaffirmative, strengths-based and trauma-informed practice can look like in everyday work with children, families, schools and multidisciplinary teams.

This DIRFloortime® course is approved by ICD.

What makes this course different

• Covers the recognised DIR 101 content required for ICDL introductory training.

• Adds a practical Irish lens, including HSE, school, charity and independent practice contexts.

• Focuses on using DIR in real assessment, formulation and intervention planning.

• Explores how to write strengths-based child profiles and communicate needs without deficit-heavy language.

• Integrates trauma-informed and regulation-focused thinking into day-to-day clinical reasoning.

• Emphasises relationship-based, neuroaffirmative practice over compliance-driven models.

Learning focus

Across the three days, participants will:

• Build a clear understanding of the DIR framework, including developmental capacities, individual differences and the central role of relationships.

• Explore key differences between behavioural and relational-developmental approaches in a thoughtful, practice-focused way.

• Consider how sensory, emotional, motor and regulatory differences shape participation and engagement.

• Apply DIR thinking to case examples relevant to Irish clinical and educational settings.

• Practise writing strengths-based, neuroaffirmative profiles for children.

• Identify areas where support is needed and refine practical intervention ideas with families, schools and teams.

• Reflect on how trauma-informed and nervous-system-aware practice supports co-regulation and meaningful engagement.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, social workers, educators, early intervention professionals and other practitioners who support children and families. It is especially relevant for clinicians looking for a practical introduction to DIRFloortime that connects theory to real work in Irish services and private practice. All suitable profesionals are welcome to apply, but please note that places for AOTI members will be prioritised.

Facilitator

Amanda Kelly, Occupational Therapist

Amanda Kelly is an occupational therapist with experience across HSE-related work, charity services and independent practice. Her work is grounded in relationship-based, trauma-informed, neuroaffirmative and strengths-based approaches, with a particular interest in sensory processing, regulation, developmental trauma and practical tools that support meaningful formulation and intervention planning.

Accreditation

This course is recognised by ICDL as DIR 101 introductory training. DIR 101 is presented by ICDL as the introduction to the DIR model and DIRFloortime, and completion of this level is used as the entry point for further DIRFloortime training.

Course details:

• Dates: March 2027

• Duration: Three days

• Format: Live, face to face training

• Certification: The course is recognised by ICDL as DIR 101: An Introduction to DIR® and DIRFloortime®, enabling progression to DIR 201 training, and participants will receive an official ICDL DIR 101 certificate (included in the course fee). Participant names and email addresses are required to be shared with the facilitator and with ICDL for licencing certification purposes.

• Course materials: The course fee also includes a printed participant pack (slides, clinical formulation resources, and a curated reference list) to support integration into practice.

Application and Payment information:

• Payment in full is taken at the time of application.
• Payment of the fee does not guarantee you a place at this event.
• Full payment must be received prior to the closing date in order to secure your place.
• If the event is oversubscribed you will be provided with a full refund.
• Successful applicants will be notified that they have a place at the event following the closing date.
• Places are limited and members are advised to apply early to secure a place.
• Please note: notifications will be sent to the email address entered on this application form. Please make sure to enter correctly the email address you wish to use for communication about this event.
• Please read our CPD events cancellation/refund policy. See AOTI T&Cs