Floortime is a comprehensive program developed for children and their families with many developmental difficulties, including autism spectrum disorder. This program aims to bring the child to a better level of development step by step according to individual sensory, language and motor skills. Progress by following the child's development level forms the basis of the DIR model. This process also includes speech therapy, special education, sensory integration therapy, home and school programs, and counseling support for parents.
The floortime model draws the child into our world while following their lead; It is a method that includes goals such as putting obstacles in front of him to reach that pleasure while telling about the things he enjoys. In order to experience all these processes, we need to understand the child's personal characteristics, habits, emotional development, sensory and motor skills.
D= Development Developmental: How does the child develop emotionally, socially and cognitively. For example, does it connect and initiate interaction with others? Can he use gestures during communication? The DIR model looks at the 6 stages that the child must achieve:
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Shared attention-attention
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Connecting
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Reciprocal purposeful interaction using gestures
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Mutual problem-solving interaction
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Emotional ideas
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Bridging ideas, abstract thinking, causality
I= Individual Individual difference: Every child is different and this biological difference influences learning and relating to others. Understanding each child's individual challenge areas is a key factor in helping children. For example, for a child who is sensitive to loud noises, we establish our approach to relating to him by exaggerated facial gestures and speaking quietly. We explore these individual differences in many different areas and shape our interaction accordingly. These areas are;
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Auditory processing
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Gestical – non-verbal communication
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Using and understanding language
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Visual-spatial processing
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Engine planning and sequencing
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Sensory reactivity and modulation
R=Relationship Relationship-based: A child's developmental difficulties and individual differences affect how they relate to others . The approach supports primary caregivers to relate to the child so that the individuals caring for the child contribute to his or her growth and development. It is also important for the child to be able to establish meaningful relationships with peers and siblings. Emotionally grounded interactions form the basis of this approach.
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