What is Floortime?

Floortime, a vital element of the DIR/Floortime model, is a treatment method as well as a philosophy for interacting with children (and adults as well). Floortime involves meeting a child at his current developmental level, and building upon his particular set of strengths.  Floortime harnesses the power of a child’s motivation; following his lead, wooing him with warm but persistent attempts to engage his attention and tuning in to his interests and desires in interactions. Through Floortime, parents, child care providers, teachers and therapists help children climb the developmental ladder.  By entering into a child’s world, we can help him or her learn to relate in meaningful, spontaneous, flexible and warm ways.

A DIR/Floortime clinician may prescribe a number of 20-minute Floortime sessions a day as part of a comprehensive treatment program.  In addition, Floortime provides a framework that can guide various daily interactions with children; bathing, playground time, meals, etc.