One of Move U’s unique features as a pediatric therapy clinic is our application of DIRFloortime®. Floortime is a foundational aspect of every session and works in tandem with our sensory-based approach to pediatric occupational therapy treatment. Floortime can be hard to explain, however, once you see it or experience, the magic of its impact is incredible!

Created by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, DIRFloortime® stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based model. This approach focuses on understanding each child’s unique development and tailoring activities that encourage meaningful interactions. Floortime® is an approach that works with all individuals but is especially impactful for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, or emotional challenges. There is significant clinical research to support the lasting therapeutic benefits of Floortime® with a range of ages and diagnoses, as well as evidence supporting its application as compared to behavioral-based approaches.

The core idea behind DIRFloortime is to meet children where they are developmentally and build upon their strengths. Unlike traditional therapies that may rely on structured, one-size-fits-all approaches, DIRFloortime emphasizes flexible, child-led, and playful interactions. As a therapist trained in DIRFloortime, I am constantly assessing your child’s state of regulation, attention, engagement, and emotion. This helps us determine how to tailor the entire session—are we at the just-right spot? Should we make it a little more challenging?  Step it down a notch? There are multiple factors that influence your child’s participation, and I am analyzing all of it on a moment-to-moment basis. While doing so, I am also tapping into what motivates the child and play ideas that are meaningful to them. When we show a sincere interest in what the child cares about, the session will flourish. Why?

  1. The child knows that you are a trusted, genuine play partner. This sense of togetherness and rapport fostered will support them regarding co-regulation and engagement in the social aspects of play.
  2. Tapping into what motivates them will make the session so fun and joyful that they won’t even feel like they are working. When in reality, their body and nervous system are working very hard with all the just-right challenges incorporated into play. With this sense of joy and “I got this!” filling the child, change is more lasting and impacting on the nervous system! In short, DIRFLoortime® is a way of using play with intention and skill so that it meets the child where they’re at and helps unlock their unique potential.

Overall, DIRFloortime is a compassionate and holistic approach to therapy that empowers children to thrive in their own way. It will look and feel like play, and that’s exactly how it should! It not only supports developmental progress, sensory integration, but also fosters stronger connections between children, caregivers, and therapists. By taking a strengths-based approach to sensory based occupational therapy, DIRFloortime helps children unlock their full potential. At Move U, Kristin & Kylee are currently two of the four clinicians in state trained in this therapy approach. We pride ourselves in using this skilled approach and truly love Floortime®. As much fun as a client is having, trust us, so are we! That’s part of the magic of Floortime® – the genuine joy, laughter, and smiles that fill our clinic each day.

To learn more about Move U and to schedule an initial visit, please call us at 605-409-9533 or click here!

 

Source

Home of dirfloortime® (Floortime) – DIR® research. Home of DIRFloortime® (Floortime) – DIR® Research. (n.d.). https://www.icdl.com/research