Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based Model (DIR/Floortime)
A developmental approach for young children with autism spectrum disorder that uses child-led play to build emotional connection and communication skills.
What Is Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based Model (DIR/Floortime)?
The Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based model, commonly known as DIR/Floortime, is a developmental intervention approach for young children, most often used with autism spectrum disorder, that uses child-led play interactions to build emotional connection, communication, and thinking skills, following the child’s interests rather than using externally directed drills.
How It Works
This approach is based on the idea that emotional connection and relationship-based interaction support developmental progress across communication, social, and cognitive domains, tailoring interaction to each child’s individual developmental profile and sensory processing differences. This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions, often involving parents or caregivers as active participants, involve following the child’s lead during play, gradually introducing challenges to build back-and-forth communication and expand the range and complexity of interaction.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research on DIR/Floortime is more limited and methodologically varied compared to applied behavior analysis, which has a larger and more robust evidence base for autism spectrum disorder; some smaller studies suggest potential benefits for social communication, but the overall evidence base remains less extensive.
Who May Benefit?
DIR/Floortime may be considered by some families as part of an individualized approach for young children with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those who respond well to relationship-based, child-led interaction; families should discuss the current evidence with their child’s care team when considering this alongside other approaches.
Limitations and Considerations
The evidence base for DIR/Floortime is smaller and less robust than for some other autism interventions such as ABA, and families should weigh this when making treatment decisions, ideally in consultation with a developmental specialist.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
DIR/Floortime is delivered by psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals with specific DIR/Floortime training.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
DIR/Floortime is often practiced intensively, including through parent-implemented sessions at home, with duration varying widely according to family and child needs.
Therapy vs. Medication
DIR/Floortime is a developmental, relationship-based intervention; medication may be considered for co-occurring symptoms in consultation with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.