Aha Connections

Jennifer M. Deady I am an Advanced DIR/Floortime® provider and have over 20 years of experience working with young children. Although I specialize in working with autistic children, I truly believe all children can learn and grow by building and strengthening relationships through play. My passion is working with children using a Floortime® approach. ​ Prior to my independent work, I helped develop and was Director of Building Blocks a program of the NEARC. Building Blocks was one of Massachusetts' first Specialty Service Providers providing intensive early intervention services for autistic children. At this time, Building Block provided a combination of services, including Floortime®. I have designed and facilitated play-based groups for children ages 3 to 10 years old diagnosed with Social Communication Disorder, Autism, Social Anxiety, and children with Social Emotional Challenges. I have held many roles, in homes, and at schools, as well as, school consultation and teacher training. My experiences in the field have strengthened my passion for working with children and their families. ​ Currently, I work at F.U.S.E School and Program, a therapeutic preschool in Lexington MA. There, I am helping to develop and support the Early Learning program which is guided by the DIRFloortime® methodology. I am also trained in Relationship Development Intervention® (RDI), the Social Thinking methodology™, and Zones of Regulation™. Throughout my years at F.U.S.E., I taught toddlers, preschoolers, and in transitional kindergarten. I have facilitated specialized yoga classes, social groups, and pretend playgroups, as well as, teacher training, supervision, classroom consultation, and parent coaching. I am a certified Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher for Pre-K to grade 2 and have attended Social Thinking® Clinical Training Level 1. I have completed my Advanced DIR/Floortime certification and am working towards becoming an expert DIR/Floortime provider.