Floortime therapy derives from the Developmental Individual-difference Relationship-based model (DIR) created by child psychiatrists Stanley Greenspan, M.D. and Serena Wieder, PhD. Its premise is that adults can help children expand their circles of communication by meeting them at their developmental level and building on their strengths. (Autism Speaks)<\/p>\n
During floortime with your autistic child, parents follow the lead of their child in a calm setting (playtime, bath time, etc.) for at least 20 to 30 minutes at a time\u00a0where\u00a0the child is engaged around their\u00a0interests and encouraged to take the lead\u00a0and direct the play. The primary goal is to keep the interaction going as long as possible without interference from an adult or caregiver\u00a0avoid taking over.<\/p>\n
Sources and helpful links:<\/p>\n
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism<\/strong> – “DIR\u00ae\/ Floortime\u2122: An Introduction”<\/em> –\u00a0http:\/\/www.thinkingautismguide.com\/2010\/09\/dir-floortime-introduction.html<\/a><\/p>\n Autism Speaks<\/strong> – Floortime<\/em> –\u00a0http:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/what-autism\/treatment\/floortime<\/a><\/p>\n Pinterest Board<\/strong> – Floor Activities for Kids with Autism<\/em> –\u00a0http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/127578601917442282\/<\/a><\/p>\n The Association of Community Living<\/strong> – For People With Autism<\/em> –\u00a0http:\/\/theassociationinc.org\/index.php?section=autism-resources-about-us<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Floortime therapy derives from the Developmental Individual-difference Relationship-based model (DIR) created by child psychiatrists Stanley Greenspan, M.D. and Serena Wieder, PhD. Its premise is that adults can help children expand their circles of communication by meeting them at their developmental …<\/p>\n