What is DIRFloortime?
In this article, we will explore the DIRFloortime approach, focusing on its principles, practices, and techniques. We will also discuss how this approach aligns with neuroaffirming practices to support and celebrate neurodivergent children.
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Understanding DIRFloortime
DIRFloortime is based on the Developmental, Individual-Differences, and Relationship-Based (DIR) Model, which was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder. This approach recognises that each child has unique strengths and challenges and that development is best supported through meaningful relationships and interactive experiences.
Breaking Down DIR
D – Developmental: Focuses on the child’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth. It considers where the child is developmentally and helps them progress at their own pace.
I – Individual-Differences: Recognises that every child has unique ways of processing and responding to the world around them, including sensory preferences, motor planning abilities, and communication styles.
R – Relationship-Based: Emphasises the importance of strong relationships with caregivers, therapists, and educators as a foundation for learning and development.What do session goals look like?
The Principles of DIRFloortime
DIRFloortime is built on key principles that guide interactions and support a child’s development. These principles include:
Following the Child’s Lead – Engaging with a child based on their interests and motivations to encourage meaningful interactions.
Expanding Communication – Using play, gestures, and words to help children express themselves and build social skills.
Building Emotional Connections – Strengthening relationships through warm, responsive interactions that foster trust and engagement.
Encouraging Problem-Solving – Helping children think critically, explore new ideas, and navigate social interactions in a supportive environment.
Tailoring to Individual Needs – Adapting therapy to align with a child’s sensory, motor, and cognitive preferences to maximise success.
DIRFloortime in Practice
DIRFloortime is an interactive, play-based approach that encourages communication and relationship-building through natural and meaningful interactions. Some of the key techniques used in therapy include:
Joining the Child’s World: Engaging in activities that the child enjoys and using these interests to create learning opportunities.
Circles of Communication: Encouraging back-and-forth interactions to develop social and language skills.
Playful Challenges: Introducing new ideas or obstacles within play to promote problem-solving and flexible thinking.
Emotional Attunement: Responding to the child’s emotions and cues to create a safe, trusting environment.
Sensory Regulation: Understanding how a child’s sensory preferences affect their interactions and adjusting the environment to support their needs.
How DIRFloortime Supports Speech and Language Development
For children with speech and language difficulties, DIRFloortime provides a natural and engaging way to develop communication skills. Through interactive play and relationship-based strategies, children learn to:
Improve their ability to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
Engage in back-and-forth conversations and social interactions.
Expand their vocabulary and sentence structures.
Build confidence in communication with peers and adults.
DIRFloortime as a Neuroaffirming Approach
A neuroaffirming approach respects and supports the natural ways neurodivergent children think, communicate, and interact with the world. DIRFloortime is inherently neuroaffirming because it:
Celebrates Each Child’s Uniqueness: Rather than focusing on changing a child’s behaviour to fit a neurotypical model, DIRFloortime honours their individuality and builds on their natural strengths.
Follows the Child’s Lead: Instead of imposing rigid expectations, therapists and caregivers join the child in their world, making learning feel safe and enjoyable.
Respects Sensory and Communication Differences: The approach recognises that some children may need movement, quiet time, or alternative ways of expressing themselves, and therapy is adapted accordingly.
Encourages Authentic Social Engagement: Instead of teaching scripted social interactions, DIRFloortime helps children develop meaningful, self-driven connections at their own pace.
By focusing on connection, regulation, and self-expression, DIRFloortime supports neurodivergent children in a way that affirms their identity rather than trying to change who they are.
Why We Use DIRFloortime at Wonder Words Speech Pathology
At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, we embrace the DIRFloortime approach to support children's communication and social development. This evidence-based framework is designed to meet each child where they are, fostering meaningful interactions that encourage growth and learning.
We believe that therapy should be personalised, engaging, and relationship-driven. DIRFloortime aligns with our values by prioritising connection, collaboration, and fun while supporting children’s speech and language development in a meaningful way.
By using DIRFloortime, we help children build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop lifelong communication skills, all through the power of play and connection.
We Respect & Connect
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We're in it Together
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We Find the Fun
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We Hustle
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We Respect & Connect 〰️ We're in it Together 〰️ We Find the Fun 〰️ We Hustle 〰️
How We Use the DIR Approach in Our Practice
At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, we integrate the DIR Model when working with our early language clients. This framework aligns seamlessly with our core values, guiding how we support children and their families on their communication journey.
We Respect & Connect
Trust and connection are the foundation of meaningful progress. Through the DIR approach, we take the time to understand each child’s unique strengths, challenges, and individual differences. We build genuine relationships with both the child and their family, creating a safe and nurturing space where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
We’re in it Together
Collaboration is central to the DIR approach. We recognise that every child thrives best when their whole support network, including parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists, works in unison. Our team builds strong partnerships with families, offering guidance and encouragement while ensuring therapy strategies seamlessly fit into the child's daily life.
We Find the Fun
Engagement is key to learning, and DIR emphasises following the child's lead to foster meaningful interactions. We embed play, creativity, and joy into therapy sessions, making communication an enjoyable and natural process. By embracing each child’s interests, we help them develop skills in a way that feels fun and rewarding.
We Hustle
DIR is a dynamic, ever-evolving approach that requires dedication and adaptability. We tailor our interventions to each child's developmental stage, adjusting our strategies as they grow. Our commitment to high-quality therapy means we continuously seek new ways to enhance engagement, strengthen connections, and achieve the best possible outcomes.
By embedding the DIR model into our practice, we ensure that every child receives a personalised, relationship-centered, and developmentally appropriate approach to speech therapy, helping them build confidence, connection, and communication skills for life.
Want to Learn More?
If you’d like to know more about how DIRFloortime can support your child’s communication development, feel free to reach out to our team at Wonder Words Speech Pathology.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s speech, language, or social communication skills. We are here to help!
