Our Approach
Neurodiversity-affirming guidance rooted in DIR/Floortime principles
Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
At Advantage Therapy, we believe that every child’s way of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world is valuable. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach recognises autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences as natural variations, not problems to be fixed.
Instead of focusing on changing a child’s behaviours, we work to understand their strengths, sensory preferences, and unique ways of connecting. Our therapists create supportive environments that help children feel safe, confident, and understood.
This affirming approach guides all our services, including Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, ensuring that therapy feels respectful, child-led, and meaningful for every family.
What This Means in Practice
Our neurodiversity-affirming approach shapes every interaction and recommendation
Understanding, Not Changing
Respecting Sensory Differences
Communication on Their Terms
Strengths-Based Goals
Reducing Masking
Learn more about our approach
DIR/Floortime: Our Foundation
The DIR/Floortime model guides our therapeutic approach, emphasizing emotional connection and individual differences
D - Developmental
We meet children at their current developmental level and build from there, respecting their unique timeline and pace of growth.
I - Individual Differences
Every child processes sensory information, relates to others, and plans actions differently. We tailor our approach to each child's unique profile.
R - Relationship-Based
Emotional connection is the foundation of learning. We prioritize warm, responsive relationships that help children feel safe and understood.
Why This Affirming Practice Rejects
Understanding what we don’t do is just as important as understanding what we do
Children who are accepted for who they are show lower rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma compared to those subjected to compliance-based therapies.
When children aren't constantly told they need to change, they develop healthier self-esteem and a positive sense of identity.
Goals that align with a child's natural strengths and interests lead to more sustainable, meaningful progress than forced compliance.
Families feel empowered when they're supported in celebrating their child's uniqueness, rather than feeling pressured to "fix" them.
Experience Our Approach With Our Digital Support
The same neurodiversity-affirming, DIR/Floortime-informed approach that guides our clinical practice now powers digital support—bringing expert co-regulation support to your everyday moments.
