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Abstract
Interventions for children/adolescents with developmental delays such as autism have often been limited to behavioral approaches that focus on the successful completion of a task rather than in the joyous reciprocal interaction of individuals relating to one and another. DIR/Floortime(TM) (Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based) offers an alternative perspective to therapy that takes into account an individual's intrinsic level of interest and then expands on that initial level of motivation to incorporate mutual interest of others, all the while supporting various neurological differences that may be impeding the actual level of development in the first place. The result is a reciprocal interaction that results in an overall improvement in actual brain development processing. This article offers an overview of the theoretical, conceptual, and practical approach to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children/adolescents with developmental delays such as autism through the developmental relationship intervention known as DIR/Floortime(TM). Adaptation of play techniques will be examined for use with those impacted, in individual, and family therapy contexts as the primary area of focus.
Keywords: DIR®/Floortime(TM), developmental capacities, Individual neurological differences, relationship- based affective interactions
Introduction
Play is a complex phenomenon that occurs naturally for most children; they move through the various stages of play development and are able to add complexity, imagination, and creativity to their thought processes and action. However, for many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the various stages of play are difficult to achieve. Challenges in motor planning, expressive and receptive communication, imitation and fine and gross motor movements are just some of the many obstacles that children with ASD encounter during play (1). The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship- based model (DIR®)Floortime(TM) model is an interdisciplinary framework that enables play clinicians, parents and educators the ability to construct a holistic assessment and intervention program that comprehensively incorporates the child's and family's unique developmental profile that addresses these core deficits (2).
Floortime(TM) is the heart of the DIR® Floortime(TM) model and it is the play component of a comprehensive program for infants, children, adolescents and their families with a variety of developmental challenges including autism spectrum disorders. This comprehensive program includes working on all elements of the DIR® Floortime(TM) model, the functional emotional developmental levels and the underlying, individual, neurological differences in processing...