Alena Akulova – founder of the educational project TDP Space, psychologist, psychotherapist, ICDL DIRFloortime® Training Leader, author of academic publications in professional journals and educational and awareness projects on development, neurodifferences, DIRFloortime®, quality of life, self-advocacy and professional practice.
Within TDP Space, Alena sets the conceptual frame of the project: additional training for specialists and parents, educational materials, supervisions, professional groups, publications and interdisciplinary dialogue around therapeutic, developmental and neuroaffirming approaches.
Professional Focus
Alena’s professional focus includes quality of life, development through relationships, respect for the individual profile, a 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 awareness formats for colleagues, parents of neurodivergent children and helping professionals.
In TDP Space, these topics are presented as an educational space: 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 collaboration 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 neurodivergent children 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 the child and family through emotional development, connection, 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 frame 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 View
An important part of TDP Space’s position is respect for a person’s inner experience and a refusal to pressure people toward “normalization”. Neurodifferences, developmental features, sensory sensitivity, communication, embodiment and everyday adaptation are considered not only as a set of difficulties, but also as part of a person’s individual profile and life context.
This frame is especially important in materials for parents and specialists: TDP Space aims 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 training 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 frame of programs and the growth of the project as a space for learning, publications, membership and professional community.
Personal website: elena-akulova.com.
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 frame of the project is described on the Legal Information page.