DIR/Floortime©

At Springboard Pediatric Therapy, a child-centered approach is at the heart of what we do. All of our full-time occupational therapists and speech therapists are trained in the DIRFloortime approach.

What is DIRFloortime?

DIRFloortime®, developed by Stanley Greenspan, MD and Serena Wieder, PhD, is a framework used to help children with developmental differences.

The program emphasizes

following the child’s lead and
joining the child’s world and pulling them into a shared world in order to help them master their capabilities.

D: Developmental - The DIRFloortime approach is developmentally-minded. Therapists support your child along their own developmental journey. With strategies and support you will watch your child progress through developmental milestones.

I: Individual Differences - We believe each person has unique ways we take in, regulate, respond to, and comprehend the world. Therapy should reflect each client’s individual profile to best support growth and development.

R: Relationship-based - Interactions we have through our primary relationships are critical to brain development, so parents and families are central to this model. All therapy is done within natural, meaningful interactions. As part of the therapy team, parents are coached and supported throughout the therapy process.

What happens in a DIRFloortime session?

The first few sessions of DIRFloortime therapy are spent relationship building and finding shared joy. Your child’s therapist will get to know your child and find ways to join in their play. As therapy progresses over time, the therapist will use a variety of strategies to challenge your child, increase complexity, and encourage developmental growth. Sessions will always incorporate your child’s interests, as this is the best way to motivate your child and to build engagement. You are encouraged to join in the sessions. Parents and caregivers are an important part of the DIR team. Therapists will not only provide direct therapy for your child but also provide parent coaching to support your parent-child interactions.