Why Choose a DIRfloortime® approach for Your Child?

When it comes to supporting your child’s growth and development, you want the very best. You want an approach that truly understands your child’s unique needs and helps them thrive in every way. That’s where DIR comes in! This approach is not just another therapy; it’s a warm, engaging, and deeply personalized way to help you interact with your child and find connections that fuel your child's development! Not only that, DIR® is an evidence-based approach shown to build the child's skills of relating, interacting and communicating, while ALSO reducing parent/caregiver stress!

Discovering the Power of DIR®

You might be wondering, what makes DIRfloortime® so special? Well, it’s all about focusing on your child’s individual differences and building on their strengths. DIR® celebrates who your child is and uses their strengths and interests to help build meaningful connections and development!

DIR stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based. This means the therapy is designed to meet your child exactly where they are developmentally, while honoring their unique sensory and emotional needs.

Imagine a therapy that doesn’t just work on skills in isolation but encourages meaningful interactions and relationships. That’s the heart of DIR®! It’s about connecting with your child in ways that feel natural and joyful. You’ll see your child’s confidence grow as they engage more fully with you and the world around them.

Here’s what you can expect from DIR®:

• A focus on developing foundational skills, including emotional and social development, that support the child reaching their fullest potential of human development

• Learning strategies that respect your child’s sensory preferences to help them connect

• Encouragement of spontaneous communication and play. Children need to learn to initiate, not just respond to prompts!

• Support for building strong, trusting relationships for life.

  
  

This approach is truly a game-changer. It’s not just therapy; it's not just teaching a child to perform a skill to get a reward. It’s a journey you and your child take together, connecting to strengthen your relationship and promote your child's development!

Child engaging in playful learning during therapy session

How DIR®  Helps Your Child Thrive

One of the most exciting things about DIR® is how it helps your child develop essential skills while connecting joyfully with YOU and others. Instead of forcing your child to fit into a one-size-fits-all mold, DIR® adapts to their unique style of learning and interacting.

For example, if your child is sensitive to certain sounds or textures, DIR® helps you recognize and understand your child's individual differences and create a comfortable environment. This helps your child feel safe and ready to interact with you. You’ll notice your child becoming more curious and willing to try new things because they feel understood and supported.

"There is no greater feeling than that of being understood," Dr. Stanley Greenspan

Another key benefit is the focus on relationships. DIR®  encourages you, as a parent or caregiver, to be an active participant in your child’s growth. You’ll learn how to tune into your child’s cues and respond in ways that build trust and connection. This strengthens your bond and makes everyday moments more meaningful.

Here are some practical ways DIR therapy support can help:

• Enhancing communication skills through playful interaction

• Improving emotional regulation by recognizing and responding to feelings

• Building problem-solving abilities in real-life situations

• Encouraging independence while providing a secure base

  
  

The beauty of this approach is that it empowers you to be your child’s best advocate and partner in learning. Together, you’ll celebrate every small victory and keep moving forward with hope and joy!

What is the DIR model and who is it for?

Now, let’s take a closer look at the DIR model. This approach was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder, pioneers in child development and mental health. The DIR method focuses on three core components:

• Developmental: Understanding your child’s current developmental stage and building skills through the concept of the "just-right challenge."

• Individual Differences: Recognizing your child’s unique sensory processing, motor skills, and emotional responses.

• Relationship-Based: Using relationships as the foundation for learning and growth.

  
  

DIR® is the model that guides your understanding and Floortime® in the intervention, a playful, child-led way of interacting that encourages your child to explore and communicate in their own way. This helps your child feel understood and ready to interact with you. Instead of feeling rejected or frustrated, you can truly find meaningful ways to connect with our child.

What’s truly wonderful about the DIR model is that it gives you a "roadmap" for meeting your child where they are at in their development. Whether your child is just starting to communicate or is working on more complex social skills, DIR® helps you meet them where they are. It’s a respectful, compassionate approach that honors your child’s individuality and promotes lasting growth.

DIR® has strong evidence for improving the core challenges of autism. Additionally, DIR® is an approach effective for any child with social, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral challenges. The evidence for DIR® and developmental approaches is strong and growing!

If you want to learn more about this amazing approach, check out icld.com, the online home of DIRfloortime®

A sample of DIR® principles for interacting with your child.

1. Follow Your Child’s Lead

   Watch what interests your child and join in their play.

   
   

2. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment

   Pay attention to your child’s sensory preferences. You can learn all about your child's, as well as your own, sensory processing patterns and regulation states in "The Regulation Plan" Resource and Application Guides! These are available on Amazon.com in paperback, or in the shop section of lindseyhall.org you will find pdf versions with clickable headings!

   
   

3. Encourage Emotional Expression

   Help your child explore and practice their feelings in your play and interactions with them. This builds emotional regulation and strengthens your connection.

   
   

4. Use Language meaningfully.

   Well-meaning adults might try to play with a child by "interviewing" them or by trying to teach concepts. Try joining in the child's play and see what unfolds!

   
   

5. Celebrate!

   Celebrate your child for who they are and celebrate every step forward!  

   
   

Embracing a Brighter Future Together

Choosing DIR® means choosing a path filled with hope, connection, and growth. DIR® doesn't focus on teaching specific isolated skills. It’s about seeing your child as a whole person with unique strengths and challenges and building their potential as a whole person. It’s about building a relationship that nurtures their potential and helps them shine.

You have the power to make a difference in your child’s life every single day. In DIR, the parent/caregiver is viewed as the expert on their child. To find a local DIR provider, check out the DIR provider directory, https://www.dirdirectory.com/