DIR Floor Time model emphasises the strength of collaborative play in encouraging emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in children. This blog will take a closer look into some of the principles of DIR Floor Time and its importance within paediatric occupational therapy.
What is DIR?
DIR focuses on helping children build foundational developmental experiences through meaningful interactions and play. Importantly, the DIR model recognises that each child is unique and has varying developmental paths and sensory processing differences.
Developmental Stages and Abilities: DIR Floor Time recognises that children progress through a series of developmental stages, that build upon the previous one. DIR tailor’s interventions to a child's specific stage in their development, which helps focus on enhancing sensory processing, motor skills, communication, and emotional regulation.
Individual Differences: Each child has individual strengths, challenges, and learning styles. DIR Floor Time can adapt interventions that help suit a child’s preferences and sensory challenges. By taking this into account, this approach helps foster engagement and improves learning.
Relationship-based Interaction: Having meaningful, empathetic, and nurturing connections with others is important in providing a secure foundation for learning, this helps a child to explore, develop trust and express themselves better in their environment.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in DIR Floor Time
Play-based Interventions: Therapists can provide purposeful play to help engage children in activities that may target their specific developmental goals. The activities can help challenge a child’s current capacities while also proving a supportive and safe environment.
Sensory Integration: DIR Floor Time incorporates sensory processing techniques to help children better understand and regulate their sensory experiences. This is particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing challenges.
Collaborative Family Participation: Therapists discuss and empower families to apply DIR Floor Time principles in daily routines. When involving parents and caregivers this can help extend a child’s developmental goals beyond therapy sessions.
Benefits of DIR Floor Time
Improved emotional regulation and self-awareness
Improved communication and social interaction skills
Strengthened sensory processing abilities
Development of motor skills and coordination
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Supporting of secure relationships and bonds
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog! Feel free to leave any comments or questions below. If you have concerns about your child’s development, it is best to speak to an Occupational Therapist for guidance. You can give us a call on 0450 501 023, or email hello@bambinihealth.com.au to find out more.