What is DIR/Floortime?

DIR/Floortime is a relationship-based approach to promoting human development, particularly for children with developmental differences, who have experienced adverse life experiences or who are neurodivergent. It focuses on building social, emotional, and learning capacities through playful, engaging interactions. If is often described as "the opposite of ABA" and is a child led and neuroaffirmative approach.

"Floortime" reflects the belief that we should meet a child where they are - which is often playing on the floor. However "Floortime" for children may be at table, on a swing or anywhere else which is led by the child. "DIR" relates to the triad of factors which the approach considers:

D – Developmental: Understanding the fundamental building blocks of thinking, relating, and communicating

Focuses on how children naturally develop capacities
Emphasises emotional interactions as the foundation for learning
Recognises development occurs in a predictable sequence

I – Individual Differences: Acknowledging each child’s unique way of:

Processing sensory information
Planning and executing actions
Comprehending and responding to the environment

R – Relationship-based: Understanding that learning occurs through emotional relationships

Emphasises the crucial role of caregivers and educators
Promotes responsive, developmentally appropriate interactions
Builds on natural interests and motivations

Floortime helps children with a range of needs, including difficulties with emotional regulation, sensory integration, communication, problem solving and executive function needs. It uses a "just right challenge" which supports the child's individual differences to maximise and develop their interaction, play and communication skills - while respecting and validating their neurotype and interests. DIR Floortime was developed by Dr Stanley Greenspan, an eminent paediatric psychiatrist who recognised the key role of attunement and interaction in infant and child mental health.

Floortime therapists are qualified professionals with additional transdisciplinary training, and the approach draws on evidence from a wide range of professions including Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy and Psychotherapy.

Where to learn more:

The International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL) is the official home of DIR and DIRFloortime, offering training and resources for parents and professionals.