Workshops and Events

Switch to Calendar View

• Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI) for Autism and Related Neurological Correlates

  • When
    20 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Remote

  Register

  Speaker: Jonine Nazar-Biesman, Psy.D., ABPdN and Diane Cullinane, M.D.

  2 CEs Available

  Level of Activity: Intermediate

  Abstract:

  Developmental Relationship Based Interventions (DRBI) have emerged amidst decades of research as evidence-based approaches for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. While ABA had been the "gold standard" for many years; more recently, DRBI has been recognized in well-regarded journals as being efficacious, in California legislation as outlined in SB805, as well as being emphasized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in its recent policy statement (Expanding Access to Care for the Autism Community). In the current presentation, the research base and core foundations for DRBI will be shared as well as the central concepts of innate motivation for social engagement and learning; the importance of supporting parent- child and other relationships; and the neurology of innate motivation in both typical development and in ASD. The affective, motor, and sensory processing vulnerabilities underlying ASD and subsequent challenges with social connection are shown to be supported by helping those with ASD and their caregivers to lean into relationships, to intimately understand individual differences, and to subsequently establish meaningful progress through responsive and attuned connection. Conceptualizations that those with ASD lack innate motivation are challenged, as well as sole reliance on external motivators.

  Objectives:

  1. Describe the key features of DRBI.

  2. Discuss the role of innate motivation in DRBI.

  3. Compare and contrast DRBI and Behavioral approaches.

  4. Summarize the evidence of effectiveness of DRBI.

  5. Identify the neuroscience regarding individual differences and innate motivation.

  About Dr. Nazar-Biesman:

  Dr. Jonine Nazar-Biesman is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist who has worked in a multitude of clinical settings over the past 25 years including hospitals, community mental health centers, residential treatment centers, therapeutic agencies, schools, group homes, and private practice.
  

  As part of her daily work, Dr. Nazar-Biesman specializes in assessing and treating children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, ADHD, and learning differences; genetic disorders; traumatic brain injuries; cerebral palsy; concussion; social-emotional; behavioral; and educational challenges. She treats a range of core challenges including trauma, anxiety, OCD, depression, dual diagnosis, digital detoxification and balance, loss, and divorce. Complex cases are common in her practice and artfully navigated to include strategic treatment planning and therapeutic collaboration as well as school and home observations as needed.

  Dr. Nazar-Biesman is a skilled therapist, parent coach, and family systems interventionist. Additionally, she offers neurodevelopmental assessments and formulates treatment plans and early intervention programs for children ages 0-5. She holds an advanced certification in DIR/ Floortime and conducts play therapy with children specifically using DRBI approaches.

  Dr. Nazar-Biesman provides forensic neuropsychological evaluations and expert testimony involving cases for those who have suffered a birth injury, traumatic brain injury, abuse, and/or concussion as examples. She has served as a Qualified Medical Expert for the Social Security Administration and has conducted Independent Medical Evaluations for adults seeking disability benefits.

  Training, consultation, and program development have been a longstanding component of Dr. Nazar-Biesman’s practice. She supervises graduate students in post-doctoral positions, provides guidance regarding educational placement, and attends IEP meetings and due process hearings as required. She developed a High School and College Mentor program to train selected students in working with and coaching children in social interactions in their natural environments. She has lectured and consulted on a variety of child development, brain functioning, and parenting issues at various conferences. Lastly, Dr. Nazar-Biesman is a Chief Scientist for Thrively, a strength-based learning platform dedicated to the development of the whole child.

  Most recently, Dr. Nazar-Biesman has joined with Dr. Neiman-Kimel under the umbrella of Brain Matters employing a unique "brain print" approach to all assessment and therapy cases.

  

  About Dr. Cullinane:

  Dr. Diane Cullinane is a developmental pediatrician with a specialization in autism. She has worked in various settings including Children's Hospital Los Angeles, LA Unified School District, Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center, managed health care, and private practice. She then was co-founder of a nonprofit multi-disciplinary clinic, Professional Child Development Associates, and was executive director there for 23 years. Dr. Cullinane is an expert in DIRFloortime, a developmental relationship-based form of intervention. She is the author of the book, Behavioral Challenges in children with Autism, the developmental approach. Although she is now retired, she continues to work on advocacy for legislation supporting services for children with autism, as well as teaching, writing and consulting.

  

  The American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
  

  AAPdN is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0059. AAPdN maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

  *Event Cancellation Policy*

  Cancellations must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the event to receive a full refund.

  Cancellations made within 10 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund.

  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

  Show details