Floortime Therapy
A relationship-based therapy approach that strengthens emotional bond and social communication by participating in the child's world.
Floortime Therapy (DIR/Floortime — Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based) is a therapy model developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan that supports the child's emotional-social development with a relationship-based approach. The name "Floortime" comes from the principle of the therapist or parent getting down to the child's level (sitting on the floor) and participating in the play they direct. As Önce Special Education, our expert team applying the DIR/Floortime model at our center in Pendik, Istanbul, supports the child in climbing the emotional development stages through natural interaction and play.
The DIR/Floortime approach aims to support development (Developmental) through relationship (Relationship), taking into account the child's individual sensory-motor differences (Individual Differences). Our Floortime program implemented at our Pendik center aims to determine the child's current emotional development level and progress in core emotional development stages such as self-regulation and interest, establishing intimacy, two-way communication, complex communication, emotional thought, and logical thought. Each session starts with following the child's interest and motivation, and the therapist expands the interaction cycles by offering meaningful and emotionally rich contributions to the child's play.
At our center serving in the Pendik district of Istanbul, Floortime therapy is applied especially in children with autism spectrum disorder, social communication difficulties, and emotional development delays. One of the strongest aspects of Floortime is that families can also learn this approach and apply it in daily life. Our therapists teach families the principles and strategies of Floortime, ensuring rich interaction opportunities are created at home too.
Who Is It For?
- Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Individuals experiencing difficulties in social communication and emotional interaction
- Children showing delays in emotional development stages
- Individuals in need of support in establishing and maintaining relationships
- Children with delays in symbolic play and imagination development
- Children experiencing interaction difficulties due to sensory-motor differences
How Does It Work?
DIR/Floortime assessment: the child's emotional development level, individual sensory-motor profile, and relational capacity are evaluated.
Individual Floortime goals are determined according to the child's current development level.
Interaction cycles are expanded by following the child-directed play in individual sessions.
The therapist supports progress in development stages by offering emotionally rich and meaningful interactions.
Families learn and apply Floortime strategies in family coaching sessions.
The process is evaluated and updated with regular video analysis and supervision.
Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Floortime therapy different from ABA therapy?
Yes, Floortime and ABA are approaches based on different philosophical foundations. While ABA focuses on behavioral goals, Floortime brings emotional-relational development to the fore. However, these approaches do not exclude each other; they can be applied together as complementary in many children. Both approaches are offered at our Pendik center, and programs are planned according to the child's needs.
What is the role of families in Floortime therapy?
The role of the family is central in the Floortime approach. Our therapists teach families Floortime principles, ensuring they create rich interaction opportunities with their children in daily life. Parents can strongly support the child's development by applying multiple Floortime sessions per day.
At what ages is Floortime therapy applied?
Floortime can be applied in all age groups starting from infancy. This approach, which is especially effective in the early childhood period, is adapted according to the child's developmental level. Programs suitable for different age groups are available at our Pendik center.
How do Floortime sessions go?
A Floortime session starts with following the play or activity the child is interested in. The therapist participates in the child's play, expanding interaction cycles, enriching emotional expression, and encouraging mutual communication. Sessions take place in a natural, warm, and play-filled environment.
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