At Alex V. Speech Pathology, we utilise a range of different treatments in order to achieve the best result for each child. No matter what treatment plan we use, every single one is evidence based and tried and tested by our staff, meaning you can trust that your child is in the right hands. As we work with many young children, we often use treatment plans that emulate play and incorporate real life moments into treatment to yield the best results. We understand that you might want to know a little bit more about our treatment styles before you bring your child in, therefore we’re taking you through our different treatment plans so that you can learn more about each one. Today, we’re focusing on DIRFloortime and covering everything you need to know about this evidence-based treatment method.
What is DIRFloortime?
DIRFloortime is the application of the DIR model into practice to help promote the positive development of children. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and his colleagues, DIR stands for the (D) Developmental, (I) Individual-differences and (R) Relationship-based model for understanding human development. DIR helps to define the critical role social-emotional development has on overall human development, starting from birth and going all the way through one’s lifespan.
This model is used around the world by allied health professionals, teachers and parents alike, and has been proven to be highly effective in promoting human development. The DIR framework also helps to recognise how each individual understands the world differently, highlighting the power of relationships and emotional connections to development. When it comes to DIRFloortime, the practitioner uses DIR to help children with educational, social-emotional, mental health and/or developmental challenges, and is perhaps known most widely as a method of support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
How do DIR and Floortime differ and work together?
Floortime is a treatment intervention that is used to promote development through respectful play and engagement. By using the power of human connection and relationships, Floortime promotes the development of capacities across a range of different social areas. DIRFloortime, on the other hand, is a specific technique that is used to utilise the child’s natural interests while challenging the child to develop their social, emotional and intellectual capacities.
While the name of the treatment is “floortime,” not all developments happen in in play on the floor, but also through interactions in other places. The great thing about floortime is that it also prioritises the important role parents, carers and other family members play in the child’s life and engages these people in the practice.
DIRFloortime in Practice
At Alex V. Speech Pathology, we use DIRFloortime when we see necessary for the child. After getting to know your child and finding a diagnosis, we will determine whether or not floortime will be an effective method of treatment for your child. We generally use this treatment for young children who are engaging in floor play at home or at kindergarten, or for children on the ASD spectrum. What we like about DIRFloortime here at Alex V. Speech Pathology is that the DIR Model is a comprehensive framework that enables us to construct our own program that is completely tailored to your child’s challenges and strengths. We do this by building a relationship with your child so that we can understand them as a person, what makes them tick and how we can use this to achieve the best possible result.
Alex V. Speech Pathology are children’s Speech Pathologists, treating a range of speech, language and social disorders using evidence based treatments. Our clinic is colourful, calm and child-friendly, so your little one will never feel intimidated when visiting for sessions. To book your child in for a consultation, contact Alex V. Speech Pathology on (07) 3217 7037.