Wow, I really enjoyed Dr. Jim Stieben's lecture on Monday. Who would'da ever figured a talk about the anterior cingulate could be that interesting.

DIR seems like such a natural way to interact with children, especially special needs kids. After spending many many hours supply teaching in special needs classrooms, I realize how frustrating it can be to try to interact with an autistic kid. Without knowing what I was doing, I have in fact (on a very minor level) utilized some of the DIR techniques to play with one student in particular (Although, he is rather high functioning and does have some language). Wouldn't it be amazing if we could provide enough support to families of autistic kids to allow for DIR and ABA therapy. It would be even more amazing if we could take Cuba's lead and attempt to identify and treat autistic symptoms in children as early as three months of age.