What is DIR/Floortime? A Guide for Parents Exploring Autism Therapies

When a child is diagnosed with autism, one of the first questions parents often ask is: What therapies are available to support my child’s development? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is often the most well-known, but there are other evidence-based approaches that parents may not know about. One of these is DIR/Floortime therapy.

For families in Brooklyn — especially those in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, Bay Ridge, and South Slope — understanding all your therapy options is crucial in making the best decisions for your child. This article explains what the DIR method is, how Floortime therapy for autism works, and what to expect as a parent.

The DIR Model: An Overview

DIR stands for:

• D – Developmental: Focuses on supporting a child’s natural growth through key developmental stages.

• I – Individual Differences: Recognizes that every child processes information differently—through their senses, motor skills, and biology.

• R – Relationship-Based: Emphasizes the importance of emotional connections between the child and caregivers.

Unlike more rigid, directive therapies, the DIR method meets children where they are developmentally and builds skills through meaningful relationships and play.

What is Floortime Therapy for Autism?

Floortime is the hands-on application of the DIR model. It literally means getting down on the floor with your child and engaging in play-based interactions that:

• Follow your child’s lead

• Expand on their natural interests

• Encourage back-and-forth communication

• Build emotional and cognitive skills through shared experiences

Instead of directing the child, the parent or therapist joins in their world, gradually guiding them toward higher levels of interaction and problem-solving.

Goals of DIR/Floortime

The core goals include:

• Strengthening emotional connections with caregivers

• Improving communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal)

• Building flexibility in thinking and behavior

• Supporting sensory processing challenges

• Encouraging independence through social play and relationships

DIR/Floortime vs. Other Therapies

Parents often wonder how Floortime therapy for autism differs from other approaches like ABA.

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): Highly structured, focused on reinforcing specific behaviors.

• DIR/Floortime: More flexible, child-led, and relationship-centered.

Both can be effective, and many families use them together. However, for parents who value a more naturalistic, play-based style of learning, Floortime may feel like a better fit.

The Benefits of DIR/Floortime

Parents in Brooklyn neighborhoods often choose DIR/Floortime because it:

• Prioritizes relationships and emotional growth

• Works naturally in everyday settings (home, school, playground)

• Involves parents directly in therapy sessions

• Builds lifelong communication and social skills rather than just isolated behaviors

What Does a Floortime Session Look Like?

Every session is unique, but here’s a general flow parents can expect:

1. Observation: The therapist or parent watches how the child is playing or interacting.

2. Joining: The adult gets down on the floor and joins the activity—without taking over.

3. Expansion: The adult gradually introduces new ideas or challenges to encourage growth.

4. Interaction: The focus is on back-and-forth exchanges, such as eye contact, gestures, or simple words.

5. Reflection: Parents and therapists discuss progress and plan strategies for home practice.

What Parents Can Do at Home

DIR/Floortime works best when it continues beyond therapy sessions. Parents can:

• Dedicate 20–30 minutes daily to Floortime play

• Follow their child’s lead rather than directing every move

• Encourage back-and-forth exchanges (e.g., rolling a ball, taking turns with toys)

• Use interests—like trains, blocks, or drawing—as bridges to new skills

• Celebrate small victories, like eye contact or a new word

The DIR Method Explained: Key Developmental Milestones

Floortime therapy is designed to help children progress through six functional emotional developmental levels (FEDLs):

1. Self-Regulation and Interest in the World

2. Engaging and Relating

3. Purposeful Two-Way Communication

4. Complex Communication and Shared Problem-Solving

5. Emotional Ideas

6. Emotional Thinking

Therapists tailor each session to the child’s current developmental level while encouraging growth toward the next.

Myths About Floortime Therapy

Because it looks like “just playing,” some parents may underestimate the power of DIR/Floortime. Common myths include:

• It isn’t structured enough to make progress.

• It’s only for younger children.

• It can’t be combined with other therapies.

In reality, Floortime therapy for autism is highly intentional, appropriate across ages, and often integrated with other treatments like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or ABA.

Choosing the Right Therapy in Brooklyn

Parents in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, Bay Ridge, and South Slope often face the question: How do I know if Floortime is right for my child?

Floortime may be a good fit if your child:

• Responds better to play than to structured teaching

• Needs help with emotional regulation and communication

• Benefits from caregiver involvement in therapy

• Struggles with sensory processing and flexibility

Questions to Ask a Floortime Therapist

When exploring therapy options in Brooklyn, consider asking:

• What is your training in the DIR/Floortime model?

• How do you involve parents in sessions?

• How do you measure progress over time?

• Can Floortime be combined with my child’s other therapies?

• What does a typical session look like for a child like mine?

Local Support for Families

In Brooklyn, resources for parents exploring autism therapies include:

• Ridge Psychological (serving Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Bay Ridge, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, and South Slope)

• Community-based early intervention programs

• Parent support groups in local neighborhoods

• Schools with inclusive programming and special education resources

Final Thoughts

Choosing a therapy approach for your child with autism can feel overwhelming. The DIR method, applied through Floortime therapy, gives families a relationship-based, play-centered alternative to more structured models. For parents in Brooklyn—including Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, Bay Ridge, and South Slope—Ridge Psychological offers guidance and support in exploring whether this approach is right for your child.

With the right information and resources, you can make confident decisions that nurture your child’s growth and strengthen your bond as a family.