DIR/Floortime
DIR/Floortime is an autism intervention approach developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, based on the Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based (DIR) model. "Floortime" is the core technique: the adult literally gets down on the floor and follows the child's lead, entering the child's world and building reciprocal interactions from the child's own interests and initiatives.
The goal isn't to teach specific behaviors, but to promote development in functional emotional and relational capacities — connection, two-way communication, shared problem-solving, and symbolic thinking. It's a relational, developmental approach, in contrast to behavioral ABA.
Floortime has preliminary evidence of effectiveness, especially on measures of relational development and communication. It's widely accepted in the neurodiversity community for its philosophy of "following the child" rather than shaping behavior to fit external norms.
💡 Practical example
Marta is doing Floortime with her autistic son, who is lining up toy cars. Instead of redirecting him, she joins the play, lining up cars next to his — entering his world. When he glances at her curiously, she introduces a small variation. That moment of shared attention is the beginning of reciprocal communication.
Put this knowledge into practice
Balanced Mind brings together tools built for the autistic mind.
Works right in your browser — nothing to install.
Start for free