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Jehan Shehata Aboubakr
Speech and Language Pathologist
Tel: (905) 747 0775
Fax: (905) 747 0275
Email: Info@caringconnection.ca
Client Reflections
Date: 23 April, 2007
Developmental, Individual differences, and Relational based model (DIRŪ)
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I believe that the DIRŪ method takes much more time before seeing the "desired results", but it helps develop an important foundation for communication. It helps parents understand that every child is an individual with his/her own differences, needs.... and the key to really helping them is by respecting and understanding those differences, etc... It takes A LOT of patience, practice and understanding. It's hard for a parent that's already feeling helpless, to not grab the "quick control method", and continue to feel helpless while trying to do what's best for the child. It can take a lot of time before the parent figures out how to really "connect" with their child, and then figure out the techniques to help them.
It's like learning a new language that helps you communicate better with your child. It's being available to listen/respond to the simplest type of communication (not necessarily words... but gestures, facial expressions, etc...), and having enough patience and respect for your child to find a way to connect, and build/strengthen that over time.
When it comes to "exceptional children", I don't think that many educators have the time/interest in trying to figure out each individual child, nor the respect to try and understand their many needs... They've got a job to do. They're looking for the "quick fix" that will get the child to perform in the limited time that they spend together. I think that once a parent figures out how to communicate with their child, they become a partner to help them advance/open up doors.
I believe that the DIRŪ method allows a child to learn how to communicate. (Not just train them how to act/talk). The learning process creates a solid foundation for future growth in language and communication. The patience and respect for your child is very important for the child's self esteem and emotional growth. It helps teach them the benefits of communication.
DIRŪ considers many different aspects of development: emotional, sensory, physical etc... that ALL have an impact on a child's ability to develop and communicate. I think that DIRŪ allows more opportunity for a parent to use their instinct for what to do, rather than a trained/textbook approach of how to deal with things. I believe that DIRŪ lessens the amount of stress on the child. With less stress there's a better opportunity for learning and communication.