When families come to Move U, they often say: “This doesn’t feel like therapy.” That’s exactly the point.
Our entire approach across occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy is rooted in the DIRFloortime® model. It’s what makes us different from most pediatric clinics in Sioux Falls, and it’s why families keep coming back.
So, What Is DIRFloortime®?
DIR stands for Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship-based. Floortime is the intervention technique that brings it to life. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and recognized globally by the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), it’s an evidence-based approach built on a simple but powerful idea: real development happens through connection.
In practice, that means getting down on the floor with a child, following their lead, and building on what genuinely interests them. Inside that joyful play, real therapeutic work is happening, building communication, motor skills, sensory regulation, and emotional awareness in a way that actually sticks.
Why Most Clinics Don’t Use This Approach
DIRFloortime® requires specialized training and a genuine philosophical commitment. It’s not something you can layer onto a traditional therapy model. It requires therapists to think differently, follow the child rather than a checklist, and understand what’s driving behavior rather than just correcting it.
That’s why it’s still rare to find an OT or PT clinic that fully embraces it. At Move U, it’s not an add-on. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
What This Means for Your Child
When therapy is built on a child’s natural interests and genuine relationships, the results are different:
- Kids are more engaged: because sessions follow their lead, not a script
- Skills carry over to real life: home, school, and beyond the clinic
- Families feel empowered: we teach parents these principles so growth continues every day
- The whole child is supported: sensory, motor, emotional, social, and communicative development, all at once
DIRFloortime® is especially well-known for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, but its benefits extend to any child navigating sensory challenges, developmental delays, ADHD, feeding difficulties, motor delays, emotional regulation, and more.
Move U: One of the Few Clinics in the Region Doing This Well
We’re proud to be one of the very few OT and PT clinics in Sioux Falls—and the broader region—fully committed to the DIRFloortime® model. Our entire team is trained in this framework, and it shows in everything from how we set up our space to how we talk to kids and families.
When you come to Move U, you’re not getting cookie-cutter therapy. You’re getting a team that genuinely knows your child, believes in their potential, and has the expertise to help them get there.
Ready to See the Difference?
We offer a free 20-minute parent consultation for all therapy services. Come meet our team, ask your questions, and see what child-led, connection-based therapy actually looks like.
📍 5020 S Tennis Ln Ste 6, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 | 📞 605-409-9533
Learn more about the DIRFloortime® model at icdl.com
