Floor Time Therapy

Floortime is the name of the intervention because the parent gets on the floor with the kid to play with them.
Floortime is an ABA substitute that is occasionally combined with ABA therapies.
Adults should assist kids in widening their "circles of communication." They build on the child's abilities and meet them where they are in their developmental process.
Children are engaged by therapists and parents through the activities that each youngster enjoys. They participate in the kid's games. They take the lead from the kid.

History

The child psychiatrists Serena Wieder, Ph.D., and Stanley Greenspan, M.D., developed Floortime. Its foundation is the DIR model, which is based on developmental individual differences and relationships. In the 1980s, Dr. Greenspan created the DIR model as a form of therapy for kids who had various developmental delays. Drs. Greenspan and Weider examined Joey, an autistic boy who participated in Floortime with his father for three years, in a 2003 research.

Joey participated in six Floortime sessions each day throughout that time. The two experts came to the conclusion that Floortime aided Joey's development because he kept making gains. A 2007 independent pilot study also supported the positive effects of Floortime for autistic kids. Two further studies from 2011—one from Thailand and the other from Canada—further confirmed Floortime's effectiveness in enhancing emotional growth and minimizing the main symptoms of autism.

Focus theme / core-concept

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can benefit from floor time therapy, also known as developmental, individual differences, relationship-based (DIR) floortime, as a development and emotional well-being intervention. The therapy attempts to develop children's social, and cognitive skills through interactive play. Joining the child in their favorite play activities and taking their lead are part of the therapy. The therapist encourages the child to explore and interact by fostering a loving and encouraging environment.

Benefits

1. The significance of intrinsic motivation is emphasized by floortime.

2. Floor time fosters adaptability and problem-solving skills.

3. Floortime takes into account the significance of a controlled sensory system.

4. The Floortime method imparts the fundamental abilities required for effective interaction and communication.

5. Playing on the floor promotes social and emotional growth in kids of all ages.

Goals

Improving emotional engagement: One of the main objectives of floor time therapy is to encourage a child and their caregiver to feel emotionally connected and involved.

Encouraging social and communication skills: The child's development of effective communication skills, reciprocal interactions, and the ability to initiate and respond to social cues are all encouraged by the therapy.

Encouraging cognitive and emotional development: Through exploration, problem-solving, and imaginative play, the therapy aims to improve a child's cognitive and emotional development.

Towards self-regulation: The goal of floor time therapy is to assist kids in gaining the ability to control their emotions, behavior, and attention. Children can practice self-control and learn to regulate their responses in a structured and supportive environment that therapy offers.

Enhancing general development: The goal of this therapy is to support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child by focusing on their unique needs and strengths.