When a child receives a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a number of services may be recommended, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, a social skills group, or play therapy. Among the various approaches to play therapy, DIR/Floortime stands out as a developmentally grounded, relationship-based model designed to support children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth. This approach emphasizes engaging children through play while addressing their unique developmental and sensory needs.

Research indicates that DIR/Floortime has been associated with improvements in social-emotional functioning and communication skills in children with ASD. For example, a controlled study¹ found significant gains in social interaction and emotional regulation in children participating in DIR/Floortime interventions. Another study² reported that DIR/Floortime therapy led to improvements in adaptive behavior and parent-child interaction quality, further supporting its effectiveness.