Floor Time Therapy (Autism)
A relationship-based therapy that follows the child's lead to promote emotional and intellectual growth.
What is Floor Time Therapy (Autism)?
Floor Time Therapy, also known as the DIR/Floortime approach, is a relationship-based therapy for children with autism and other developmental challenges. It focuses on building healthy foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing solely on specific skills and isolated behaviors. The approach involves meeting the child at their current developmental level and building upon their strengths and interests.
How Floor Time Therapy (Autism) Works
During Floortime sessions, therapists and parents literally get down on the floor with the child and follow the child's lead. The therapist joins the child's activities and uses this interaction to draw the child into increasingly more complex interactions. Sessions focus on opening and closing circles of communication, encouraging the child to be more creative and spontaneous, and helping the child move up the developmental ladder.
Benefits of Floor Time Therapy (Autism)
Related Assessments
Floor Time Therapy (Autism) is often recommended based on the following assessments:
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Floortime different from ABA?
While ABA focuses on changing specific behaviors through structured teaching, Floortime focuses on following the child's lead to promote emotional connections and thinking skills. Both can be effective, and some families use elements of both approaches.
Can parents do Floortime at home?
Yes! Floortime is designed to be practiced by parents and caregivers in everyday interactions. Parents receive training to use Floortime principles throughout daily activities.
How long are Floortime sessions?
Sessions typically last 20-30 minutes, but the principles can be applied throughout the day in short interactions. It's recommended to have multiple sessions throughout the day.
At what age can Floortime begin?
Floortime can begin as early as infancy and can be adapted for children of all ages, including teenagers and young adults.
How long does it take to see results?
Progress varies by child, but many families report seeing improvements in engagement and communication within a few months of consistent practice.
Have more questions about this therapy?
Contact Our Specialists