University of Maine Center to Host Workshop on DIR/Floortime Approach for Treating Children with Autism
Contact: Sandra Horne, (207) 581-1236
ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies is hosting a three-hour workshop on the DIR/Floortime approach for understanding and treating children challenged by autism spectrum and related disorders on Saturday, July 26, from 1-4 p.m.
The workshop, “An Introduction to DIR/Floortime,” is being held at the Wells Conference Center. This relationship-based approach focuses on helping children master the building blocks of relating, communicating and thinking. Registration is $20 and includes light refreshments.
Kathleen A. Platzman, Ph.D., is the presenter. Platzman, a Maine native, received her doctorate from the University of Chicago in 1983 and is a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. She is a faculty member of the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders, founded by Stanley Greenspan, MD, and Serena Wieder, Ph.D.
The workshop is for parents, teachers, therapists, public school personnel and administrators, or anyone who wants to learn more about the DIR/Floortime approach. A limited number of complimentary registrations are available for parents and family members. For more information, or to register, please contact Margaret Zubik by email ccidsmail@umit.maine.edu, by phone 800/203-6957 (v/tty), or by fax 207/581-1231. The registration deadline is July 23.
Wells Conference Center, located on the campus of the University of Maine, is an air-conditioned, accessible facility with parking nearby. Captioning for the event will be provided by Maine C.A.R.T. & Captioning Service.
The Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (CCIDS) is Maine’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Established in 1992, the Center is part of a national network of 67 UCEDDs sponsored by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Center’s mission is to bring together the resources of the university and the community to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families through a broad range of education, research, service, and dissemination activities. More information about CCIDS is available on its web site www.ccids.umaine.edu.