DIR/Floortime Approach
Relationship-based therapy that honors individual differences and developmental pathways
What is DIR/Floortime?
DIR/Floortime is a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for understanding and supporting child development. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder, it emphasizes emotional connection, individual differences, and relationship-based interactions.
Unlike approaches that focus on isolated skills or behavioral compliance, DIR/Floortime recognizes that emotional connection is the foundation of all learning and development. By meeting children where they are and following their lead, we help them build the capacities they need to thrive.
At Advantage Therapy, DIR/Floortime principles guide all our work with neurodivergent children and their families.
The Three Components of DIR
DIR stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based
Developmental
Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs)Development happens in stages, and each child moves through these stages at their own pace. We meet children at their current developmental level and help them build the foundational capacities they need—attention, engagement, two-way communication, problem-solving, and abstract thinking.Rather than focusing on isolated skills, we support the whole child's emotional and cognitive development.
Individual Differences
Unique Sensory and Processing ProfilesEvery child has a unique way of taking in and processing sensory information, relating to others, and planning actions. Some children are sensory-seeking, others are sensory-avoiding. Some process auditory information quickly, others need more time.We tailor our approach to each child's individual profile, working with their natural wiring rather than against it.
Relationship-Based
Emotional Connection as the FoundationLearning happens in the context of warm, responsive relationships. When children feel safe, understood, and emotionally connected, they're able to take risks, explore, and grow.We prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships and supporting families in creating emotionally rich interactions at home.
The Six Functional EmotionalDevelopmental Capacities
These are the building blocks of healthy emotional and cognitive development
The ability to stay calm, focused, and interested in people and surroundings. This is the foundation—without it, learning can't happen.
The capacity to form warm, trusting relationships. Children learn to enjoy being with others and seek out connection.
The back-and-forth flow of interaction—gestures, sounds, words, or actions. This is where intentional communication begins.
The ability to engage in longer chains of interaction, solve problems together, and understand social cues and patterns.
The emergence of pretend play, language, and symbolic thinking. Children begin to represent their experiences through words and imagination.
The capacity for abstract reasoning, understanding cause and effect, and connecting ideas logically. This is where higher-level thinking develops.
What is "Floortime"?
Floortime is the practical application of DIR principles through play-based, child-led interactions
Follow the Child's Lead
We enter the child's world, joining them in their interests and activities. This builds trust and engagement, creating a foundation for learning.
Expand the Play
We help children broaden their interests and interactions, moving from repetitive play to more varied, imaginative, and socially connected activities.
Challenge the Child to Go Further
Once engaged, we gently stretch the child's abilities—encouraging more circles of communication, more complex play, or new problem-solving.
Open and Close Circles of Communication
Every interaction is a "circle"—the child initiates, we respond, the child responds back. The more circles we can open and close, the stronger the connection and learning.
Why DIR/Floortime Works
Research and clinical experience show that DIR/Floortime leads to meaningful, lasting progress
Builds Foundational Capacities
Rather than teaching isolated skills, DIR/Floortime builds the underlying capacities that support all learning—attention, engagement, communication, and thinking.
Honors Individual Differences
By tailoring the approach to each child's sensory and processing profile, we work with their natural strengths rather than fighting against their wiring.
Strengthens Relationships
Emotional connection is at the heart of DIR/Floortime. Children develop stronger bonds with family, therapists, and peers.
Supports Emotional Health
Because DIR/Floortime prioritizes emotional well-being and authentic self-expression, children develop better self-esteem and mental health.
Generalizes Across Contexts
Skills learned through DIR/Floortime transfer to real-life situations because they're built on genuine understanding and connection, not rote memorization.
Empowers Families
Parents and caregivers learn to use Floortime principles at home, becoming active partners in their child's development.
Learn more about our approach
DIR/Floortime at Advantage Therapy
How we integrate DIR principles into Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Our OTs use DIR principles to support sensory processing, motor planning, and self-regulation. We meet children at their developmental level and use relationship-based interactions to help them build foundational capacities.
Speech Therapy
Our speech pathologists prioritize emotional connection and two-way communication over rote language drills. We follow the child's lead, using their interests to build meaningful communication skills.
Family Coaching
We teach families how to use Floortime principles at home, helping them create emotionally rich interactions that support their child's development in everyday moments.
Experience DIR/Floortime at Advantage Therapy
Our DIR/Floortime-informed approach is at the heart of all our services. We’d love to support your family in building connection, understanding, and meaningful progress.
