DIR/Floortime
At Golden Steps we use DIR intervention programs that are tailored to the unique strengths and challenges of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Aspergers syndrome and other developmental challenges. The objectives of the DIR®/Floortime™ Model are to build healthy foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities.
Emotions make all learning possible
(Greenspan & Wieder, 1992)
Floortime is a specific technique to both follow the child’s natural emotional interests (lead) and at the same time challenge the child towards greater and greater mastery of the social, emotional and intellectual capacities. Pivotal to Floortime is the role of the child’s natural emotions and interests which has been shown to be essential for learning interactions that enable the different parts of the mind and brain to work together and to build successively higher levels of social, emotional, and intellectual capacities.
These playful interactions may occur on the “floor”, but also include conversations and interactions in other places.
DIR/ Floortime® interventions
available at Golden Steps:
- FEDL (functional emotional developmental level) assessments
- Floortime interventions with OT professionals. Our therapists seek ongoing training and mentoring in the use of Floortime methods through group and individual tutoring by others certified in DIR/ Floortime®.
- Parent coaching to ensure that your child continues to make progress in mastering the foundational levels at home and in the community.
For more information on DIR®/Floortime visit these websites:
The D -DEVELOPMENTAL – the six developmental milestones each child masters for healthy emotional and intellectual growth.
The I - INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES - the unique ways each child takes in, responds to, and comprehends sensory experiences such as sight, sound, movement and touch.
The R - RELATIONSHIP-BASED - the relationships with caregivers, therapists, and peers that enable progress in mastering the foundational levels.