Founded by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder, the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL) has been a pioneer in its work to advance the identification, prevention, and treatment of developmental and learning disorders. Through its research, training and publications, ICDL extends knowledge of developmental processes and provides a framework (DIR®/Floortime Model)* for understanding and improving interventions with infants, children and adults with challenges in relating, communicating and thinking, including autism spectrum disorders. To learn more about our Vision, Mission and Goal, please visit our "About Us" section. To learn more about current ICDL's initiatives, click here

2010 Annual Conference

Redefining Autism

November 5, 6 and 7, 2010

Hilton Mc Lean, Tysons Corner, VA (Washington, DC Metro Area)

Save the date, and have the opportunity to listen and interact with great speakers, including:

• Catherine Lord, Ph.D.
• Lucy Miller, Ph.D.
• Connie Kasari, Ph.D.
• Stuart Shanker, Phil. D
• Steward Mostofsky, MD,
• Serena Wieder, PhD.
• Devin Casenhiser, Ph.D.
• Jim Stieben, Ph.D.
• Ricki Robinson, MD.

Featured panels will include presentations and discussions on redefining research, diagnosis, and education for children with ASD. Plan to attend an unforgettable tribute evening for Dr. Stanley Greenspan.

More details and registration coming soon!

ICDL's Strategic Plan 2010-2012

When Dr. Greenspan created the DIR/Floortime model, he dreamed that all children would be able to reach their fullest potential with the support of their caring families and communities. His new model redefined the way to promote early child development. It recognized the role of early affective interactions in supporting key emotional developmental stages and emphasized respect for children's individual strengths and differences.

A few months before he died, Dr. Greenspan expressed concern that ICDL had not yet reached and supported enough children and families to achieve this dream. To address this gap, he wrote a strategic plan for ICDL for the next three years (2010-2012). This strategic plan was reviewed and approved by ICDL's Board of Directors as well as a group of senior DIR/Floortime faculty.

The key strategic areas in which ICDL will focus its efforts during the next three years include: conducting more research, engaging in advocacy at the state and federal levels, expanding local, national and international training, improving the DIR/Floortime credentialing system, and raising funds to support these initiatives. Future issues of the DIr/Floortime e-newsletter will include more information about these initiatives and our progress in achieving our goals. If you are not receiving regular emails from ICDL please create a free account that will allow you to stay connected.

Opportunities to learn the DIR/Floortime Model

•  Attend local or regional educational program or workshops offered by DIR professionals
• Connect to a local DIR professional, find one close to you in the US or in other countries
• Watch a 2 hour video seminar featuring the Look into My Eyes Floortime Parent Project
  • Go to the Partner's site located on the ICDL portal: LOGIN
  • If you have not become an ICDL Partner yet, join now and then LOGIN
• Watch the Floortime DVD Training Series

Quick Links...

• Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook (search for DIRFloortime)
• Read Dr. Greenspan's latest book published by ICDL: Overcoming Anxiety, depression and Other Mental Health Disorders in Children and adults
  • Read Table of Contents
  • Order online
• Watch a free introductory video about the DIR®/Floortime™ Model
• ICDL Partners can watch a 2 hour video seminar at no cost: Look into My Eyes Parent project is available on the ICDL Portal partner's site
  • Login
  • Join
• Attend a local DIR® event or workshop
• DIR®/Floortime™ in the News
• Explore www.floortime.org and enjoy many free resources for parents and professionals

• Search our list of DIR® Professionals

• Check our growing list of DIR® schools and summer programs

• Need information on research supporting the DIR®/Floortime™ Model? Visit our updated research page with links to published articles and ongoing research.

• Looking to connect with other parents online? Check our parent resources page with a list and links to many online parent support groups

• IEP meetings are coming soon.. Review our Educational Interventions page to bring new ideas to these meetings

• Would you like to receive broadcast emails with our latest news? Stay Connected by registering as a new user in the ICDL Portal

If you would like to learn about and support these ICDL initiatives and others please click here.

* DIR is a registered trademark of the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders, ICDL