Floortime is a therapy derived from the Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model. This developmental therapy has for its core precept to understand the child’s sensory differences and to use these to help children with ASD in their development. The emphasis is placed on the creation of emotionally meaningful learning experiences that will encourage developmental abilities.
The idea behind the therapy is that children can expand their circles of communication and their strengths when the requests are made at their developmental level.
Floortime sessions emphasize play interactions in a calm setting. Parents or professionals will establish the foundations for shared attention, engagement, and problem solving while playing with the child.
Floortime outlines 6 developmental stages that children with autism have often missed or not mastered:
- Regulation and Interest in the World
- Engagement and Relating
- Two way intentional communication
- Continuous Social Problem solving
- Symbolic Play
- Bridging Ideas
Other interventions for Autism:
– Applied Behavior Analysis
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
– Speech-Language Therapy
– Peer-Mediated Instruction
– Sensory Integration Therapy
– SCERTS model
– Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
– Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Andreia on Autism 