What is Floortime? Our OT explains!

What is Floortime?

Floortime therapy, also known as the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) model, is an evidence based approach used in Occupational Therapy and other therapeutic interventions for children with developmental challenges. It was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and focuses on promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development through play-based interactions (ICDL, 2023). The acronym DIR stands for:

1. Developmental: This aspect recognises that every child develops at their own pace and in their unique way. It emphasizes understanding and working with a child’s developmental stage.
2. Individual-Difference: DIR Floortime acknowledges that each child is unique and may have different strengths and weaknesses. It focus on tailoring interventions to meet the individual needs of the child.
3. Relationship-Based: Central to the DIR Floortime approach is the idea that building a strong, emotional, and nurturing relationship between the child and their caregivers or therapists is fundamental to the child’s development and growth.

Why do we use Floortime?

In Australia, private occupational therapy interventions may incorporate the Floortime therapy approach as part of their treatment plan for children with developmental delays, communication difficulties, social and emotional difficulties, sensory processing difficulties or other related conditions. Occupational therapists who specialise in working with children often use Floortime as a framework to engage children in purposeful play activities and create meaningful interactions to address their specific needs. It is a holistic and child-centred approach that uses the power of relationships and human connection to encourage development and ultimately help the child reach their full potential.

The idea of Floortime is that children learn best when they are emotionally engaged and interested in what they are learning. The DIR Floortime approach looks at the six core capacities (milestones), also known as Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities, that contribute to the development of various skills. These capacities include shared attention, engagement and problem solving etc.  

Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs) or Milestones refers to the emotional development of the person. The first six foundation capacities in the model are:

1. Self-Regulation and Interest in the World: Capacity for regulation and shared attention. To be calm, alert and available.
2. Engaging and Relating: Capacity to form relationships, attachment, and engagement. Forming loving connects with caregivers.
3. Purposeful Two-Way Communication: Capacity to conduct two-way, purposeful communication.
4. Complex Communication and Shared Problem Solving: Capacity to engage in shared social problem solving, use gestures in continuous patterns, and support a complex sense of self.
5. Using Symbols and Creating Emotional Ideas: Capacity to use ideas representationally and functionally.
6. Logical Thinking and Building Bridges Between Ideas: Capacity to build logical bridges between ideas and emotional thinking.

 Is Floortime really goal directed and what does it look like in practice?

Yes, Floortime is goal directed! Though it looks relatively unstructured in therapy sessions and will often look like play. The “Floortime” part of the approach refers to the interactive play sessions in which the therapist or caregiver joins the child on the floor to engage in activities that are of interest to the child.

Your therapist will focus on following the child’s lead and responding to their attempts to initiate communication both verbally and non-verbally. They will also be continually observing, responding and extending your child to regulate, engage and communicate.

Floortime therapy emphasizes the following principles:

1. Child-led play: The therapist follows the child's interests and initiates play activities based on their preferences and strengths. This approach encourages active participation and promotes the child's engagement and motivation.
2. Emotional and social connection: The therapist focuses on building a strong emotional bond with the child, aiming to understand their emotional experiences and create a safe and nurturing environment. This connection forms the foundation for promoting social interactions and communication skills.
3. Functional developmental levels: The therapist assesses the child's developmental abilities and tailors the activities to match their current skill level. This approach ensures that the child is appropriately challenged while fostering continuous growth and progress.
4. Individual differences: Floortime recognizes and respects the unique strengths, challenges, and individual differences of each child. Therapists adapt their strategies and interventions to suit the specific needs and preferences of the child they are working with.

What is the parents role in a Floortime approach?

Parent involvement is a fundamental element of DIR Floortime therapy. In this therapeutic approach, parents are seen as the best resource for understanding their child and actively participating in their child's intervention. Parents are encouraged to observe therapy sessions to gain a deeper understanding of the Floortime approach and its practical implementation. By observing the therapist's interactions with their child, parents can learn specific strategies, techniques, and ways to engage their child effectively. Some therapy sessions may involve both the therapist and the parent(s) interacting with the child together. This allows parents to learn how to promote engagement for longer time periods and reflect on their own ability to interact with their child.

Parents are encouraged to incorporate Floortime principles and strategies into daily routines and interactions with their child. The therapist may provide specific recommendations and activities that parents can implement at home to support their child's development and reinforce progress made during therapy sessions. Here are some key roles and responsibilities for parents in the Floortime approach:Top of Form

Activity Ideas for Floortime!

The specific activities used in DIR Floortime can vary widely based on the child's interests, abilities, and developmental stage. Here are some activities that can be adapted for DIR Floortime sessions:

1. Sensory Materials: Explore sensory activities with the child, such as playing with sand, water, playdough, finger paints, or textured objects. Sensory play can be engaging and help with sensory integration.
2. Imaginative Play: Use dolls, action figures or other toys to engage in pretend play scenarios. Encourage the child to create and act out stories, helping them develop their imagination and creativity.
3. Interactive Storytelling: Read books together and engage the child by asking open-ended questions, encouraging them to make predications, or allowing them to come up with their own stories.
4. Art and Craft Activities: Engage in art and craft projects that involve cutting, pasting, painting, and other creative activities. Encourage the child to express themselves through art.
5. Obstacle Courses: Set up simple obstacle courses or play gym activities to work on physical coordination and motor skills. This can also promote joint attention and problem-solving.
6. Music and Movement: Incorporate music and dance into your sessions. Sing songs, dance together, or play musical instruments to promote social engagement and rhythm.
7. Cooking and Baking: Involve the child in simple cooking or baking activities. This can be an opportunity for sensory exploration and working together on a shared goal.
8. Pretend Play with Puppets: Use puppets or stuffed animals to engage in conversations and role-play. Puppets can make communication more engaging and less intimidating.
9. Outdoor Play: Spend time in nature, play in a park, go for a nature walk, or simply explore the outdoors. Nature provides various sensory experiences and opportunities for interaction.
10. Construction and Building: Use blocks, Lego, or other construction toys to build together. This promotes problem-solving, fine motor skills, and cooperation.
11. Water Play: If appropriate, water play in the sink or with water tables can be highly engaging and sensory-rich. You can use cups, sponges, and other objects for water exploration.

Remember that the key to successful DIR Floortime activities is to be flexible and responsive to the child's interests and cues. These activities should be enjoyable and engaging for the child and help foster emotional connections, communication, and social development. Adapt activities as needed to suit the child's individual needs and developmental stage.

Written by Ashley Haysom (OT)

Ashley has a special interest in working with young children experiencing developmental delay