Relationship Development Approach

Relationship Development Approach

Relationship Development Approach describes the philosophy that the foundation of skill development comes from affective relationships that children have with those around them. Below is a list of developmental phases that a child may progress through or need support with.

1. Referencing and eye gaze: This is the foundation of affective based interaction and communication and must occur prior to the use of symbolic language.
2. Social Reciprocity: This is the ability to share ideas with another individual and read and respond to the affective cues they are providing.
3. Symbolic Language: The ability to use words, gestures or other means to represent the ideas we have and share them with others.
4. Theory of Mind: This typically develops by age 4 and continues to become more advanced as the child matures.
5. Dyadic Read and respond: the ability to see the gestalt of the experience with and individual and to respond appropriately to the large picture in addition to minute details.
6. Reflective individual:  The ability to reflect on oneself b in all aspects of life.