Alena Akulova is the founder of the TDP Space educational project, a psychologist, ICDL DIRFloortime® Training Leader, author of scientific publications in national and international professional journals, and author of educational and public-facing projects on development, neurodifferences, DIRFloortime®, quality of life, self-advocacy, and professional practice.
In TDP Space, Alena sets the conceptual framework of the project: additional education for specialists and parents, educational materials, supervisions, professional groups, publications, and interdisciplinary dialogue around therapeutic, developmental, and neuroaffirming approaches.
Professional Focus
Alena’s professional interests center on quality of life, development through relationships, respect for individual profiles, the neuroaffirming approach, embodiment, communication, family context, and support for specialists working with children, adults, and families.
A separate part of her work is connected with educational and public-facing formats for colleagues, parents of neurodivergent children, and specialists in helping professions.
In TDP Space, these topics are presented as an educational environment: articles, courses, webinar recordings, supervision and professional formats, and materials for parents, specialists, and communities.
Professional Experience And Public Work
Alena’s professional experience includes cooperation with the Red Cross and the Belarusian Children’s Hospice, as well as work at the intersection of psychological support, family support, neurodifferences, and quality of life.
Alena has publications and presentations at international conferences on palliative care, support for children with neurodifferences, and the stigmatization of autistic people.
DIRFloortime® And Developmental Approaches
A significant part of Alena’s work is connected with DIRFloortime®, a developmental, relationship-based approach that helps look at a child and family through emotional development, contact, regulation, individual differences, and living interaction.
As an ICDL DIRFloortime® Training Leader, Alena leads educational formats on DIRFloortime® and helps participants understand the approach, its language, practical logic, and ethical framework more deeply. These materials are presented as additional education for specialists and parents: they expand professional competence and support a neuroaffirming approach.
Neuroaffirming And Humanistic Perspective
An important part of TDP Space’s position is respect for a person’s inner experience and refusal of pressure toward “normalization.” Neurodifferences, developmental differences, sensory sensitivity, communication, embodiment, and everyday adaptation are seen not only as difficulties, but also as part of a person’s individual profile, life context, resources, and strengths.
This framework is especially important in materials for parents and specialists: TDP Space seeks to support language that combines professional accuracy, care, respect for lived experience, and attention to quality of life.
Projects And Topics
- educational programs and materials on DIRFloortime®;
- additional education for specialists and parents;
- supervisions, professional groups, and case discussions;
- publications on neurodifferences, self-advocacy, and lived experience;
- materials on sensory features, communication, development, and family context;
- projects on quality of life, resilience, adaptation, and gentle self-support.
Role In TDP Space
Alena is responsible for the conceptual direction of TDP Space, the development of educational materials, the professional framework of programs, and the development of the project as a space for learning, publications, membership, and professional community.
Legally, TDP Space is managed by Individual Entrepreneur Olena Akulova — Professional Educational Space, registered in Georgia. TDP Space is not a medical organization, licensing body, accredited educational institution, or professional association. The general legal framework of the project is described on the Legal Information page.
Alena Akulova’s personal website: elena-akulova.com.