As a school we have data to evidence the impact of the play therapy that is offered in the school. The effect on pupil behaviour has been substantial .And so we were interested to find out more about DIR Floortime therapy. Floortime proclaims to be more than just ‘play therapy’ and to go beyond child led interaction.Play therapy ,in our school, lasts for a 40 minute session per pupil. DIR Floortime can last for 2 to 5 hours per day.
It was created by child psychiatrists Stanley Greenspan, M.D. and Serena Wieder, PhD. Its premise is that adults can help children expand their circles of communication by meeting them at their developmental level and building on their strengths. This is also true of intensive Interaction , another therapy that is used in our school .
Greenspan claims that the technique challenges children with autism to push themselves to their full potential. It develops “who they are,” rather than “what their diagnosis says.”
In Floortime, therapists and parents join the child in its games. They follow the child's lead. Therapists teach parents how to direct their children into increasingly complex interactions. This process is called opening and closing circles of communicationand is central to the Floortime approach.
Floortime sessions work by progressively developing enjoyable and relaxed interaction between the interaction partner and the person doing the learning. This establishes the foundation for shared attention, engagement and problem solving. Parents and therapists respect and support each child’s uniqueness while promoting development through meaningful, relationship-based experiences. Floortime, like Intensive Interaction, encourages children to lead rather than imposing adult’s own expectations or having them repeat a memorized pattern which is a common criticisms of ABA. Theoretically this results in more flexibility of thought.
As it currently stands, one intervention is incapable of catering for every child on the autistic spectrum and this post does not seek to recommend one over another.
DIR reminds me very much of Intensive Interaction .Intensive Interaction with wings.
I haven’t found any independent, peer-led, published studies on the effectiveness of Floortime with children on the autistic spectrum. However a recent Estyn ( Wales's version of Ofsted) inspection report commented on the use of DIR Floortime in a special school in South Wales:
'The school works with an independent partner to provide a highly specialized and extremely effective behavior management approach. The impact of this work consistently indicates a significant improvement in pupils’ learning outcomes. Their levels of engagement, attendance and exclusions have all improved. This sector leading work is helping pupils to improve their behavior and substantially develop their communication and wellbeing. The success of this approach has led to the development of an outreach service to mainstream schools and special schools’
The independent partners, referred to in that very recent Estyn report, will be attending the Therapies In Education Conference on 21st of October at Ysgol Pen Coch. Follow the link http://ysgolpencoch.org/course/view.php?id=359. Early bird rates of £45 finish on June 15th .
Come along and find out from professionals talking and giving demonstrations about Floortime; Storybook Massage; Neurofeedback;Indian head Massage for special children; Yoga and special needs; Meditation; Play therapy; Lego Therapy; Magic Therapy ; Vibroacoustic therapy; AIT; Sherborne therapy; Irlen lens; Reflexology; Functional Reflex Therapy;Tac Pac; hydrotherapy; Martial Arts and more whilst perusing exhibition stands as you enjoy Welsh cakes and a cuppa. Buffet lunch provided.
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