Occupational therapists Toni Tortora, MS, OTR/L and Brenna McNamee, MS, OTR/L give an introduction of DIRFloortime®, a developmental approach that emphasizes relationships over compliance. Jamie Ordower adds her perspective as a parent of a child who has benefited from the DIRFloortime® approach.
DIR is the theory of understanding who a person is, how they developed, and what relationships are supportive and meaningful. Floortime is the practice where we take all the information we know about the person and play and engage in a developmental way. A DIR trained professional prioritizes regulation and engagement, focusing on how a student/child/adult communicates and supports those partners to be good cue readers. In DIRFloortime® we see every behavior as a form of communication, and we try to understand the why behind the behavior. DIRFloortime® views relationships as the catalyst for progress in all areas of development, where process over product is emphasized. When regulated and meaningfully engaged, a child is better able to take in information and learn.
Published: December 2024
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. This information is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. You should always talk to your or your family member’s health care professionals for diagnosis and treatment, including information regarding which drugs or treatment may be appropriate for you or your family member. We do not represent or warrant that any particular treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you or your family member. In the event of a medical emergency, you should contact your doctor immediately or call your local emergency service.
