21: The Heart of Connection: Understanding DIR/Floortime with ICDL CEO Jeffrey Guenzel

In this episode of Unmasking Social, host Sharon Baum sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Guenzel, CEO of the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), to explore the power of the DIR/Floortime approach in supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. The conversation looks deeply into yhe foundations of human development, emphasizing that it all begins with relationships and meaningful emotional connections.Jeffrey discusses the crucial distinction between development and learning, reminding us that true growth is not just about acquiring knowledge or skills - it’s about deepening the capacity for emotional and social connection. Together, they examine how the DIR/Floortime framework supports teens and tweens in building these capacities by meeting them where they are - through joy, curiosity, and authentic engagement.The discussion also highlights the value of a transdisciplinary approach, where therapists and professionals collaborate to address the whole person rather than isolated challenges. By focusing on sensory regulation, emotional understand.   To learn more about ICDL and Dr. Jeffrey Guenzel, https://www.icdl.com/ or follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/icdl_dirfloortime/.Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube