From Regulation to Relationship
Interoception, Modulation, and the Development of the FEDCs
When: June 20, 2026
Description
How does regulation truly develop? How do interoception and sensory modulation shape a child’s capacity for engagement, reciprocity, and emotional thinking? In this virtual workshop, we will explore regulation through a deeply developmental DIR lens; moving beyond behavior and nervous system “states” to understand regulation as a relational, sensory, and emotional process that unfolds across all Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs).
Together, we will examine how early co-regulation becomes internalized, how interoception forms the foundation of emotional awareness, and how sensory modulation patterns influence engagement, communication, and symbolic thinking. We will integrate developmental science with Polyvagal Theory while remaining grounded in the core principles of DIR: relationship, individual differences, and developmental progression. Designed for DIR practitioners, this series offers clinical depth, case-based reflection, and practical application to support children, adolescents, and families more effectively. Join us as we build a bridge between regulation and higher-level emotional development — and deepen our shared sensory understanding in preparation for our October congress.
Outline / Agenda:
9.00 to 10.30am The Developmental Foundations of Regulation in DIR
Understanding regulation as a developmental, relational, and sensory process, not only a nervous system state
10.30 to 11.00am Morning Break
11.00 to 12.30pm Interoception in Development: The Missing Link in Emotional Growth Core
Interoception as the bridge between body regulation and emotional development.
12.30 to 1.30pm Lunch
1.30 to 3.00pm Sensory Modulation and Its Impact on the FEDCs
How sensory modulation patterns shape the child’s capacity to move up the FEDCs.
3.00 to 3.30pm Afternoon Break
3.30 to 5.00pm From Regulation to Identity: How Sensory Experience Shapes the Sense of Self Across the FEDCs
How regulation, interoception, and modulation, organized through relationship, gradually build the child’s sense of self.
Learning Objectives:
The workshop participants will:
- Differentiate stages of regulation (co-regulation, shared regulation, and self-regulation) across the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs), integrating principles from DIR and Polyvagal Theory.
- Analyze how interoceptive processing and sensory modulation patterns influence emotional development, engagement, and progression through the FEDCs.
- Apply DIR-informed strategies to support regulation, interoceptive awareness, and sensory modulation in clinical practice with children and adolescents.
- Evaluate how sensory-affective experiences across developmental stages contribute to the formation of a cohesive sense of self and identity.
Provider Name: [email protected]
Presenter: Maude Le Roux, OTR/L, SIPT, ADHD-RSP, DIR Champion and Expert Training Leader
Bio: Maude Le Roux is a global trainer in multiple methodologies and a mentor to therapists from multidisciplinary teams. She opened her practice, A Total Approach in Glen Mills, PA, USA in 2001. Maude started her training career in 2007 and opened her online academy in 2019. She has designed the Developmental Pathways Model (DPM), which she applies to her own unique assessment and intervention protocol for major diagnosis such as Dyspraxia, ADHD and Executive Functions, Autism, Reading and Writing Disorders, and Trauma and Attachment. Maude served 9 years on the Board of Directors for ATTACh and currently serves on their Advisory Board. She also serves on the Advisory Board for LSWorks (Neuralign program). She is a co-author of two books and more recently wrote a chapter on Trauma and the Body in “Healing Connections” which launched in September 2024. Maude received an award for “Continued child advocacy” through the ATTACh organization in September 2024. She also received the Champion Award through ICDL in November 2024. Maude has a “whole child” approach to care and intervention and equipping the child, while empowering the parent is at the core of who she is as a clinician and trainer.
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Educators
Educational Level: Intermediary to Advanced
Instructional Methods: PowerPoint, Group Discussion, Video
Contact Hours: 6 hours
Contact: [email protected]
