How To Become a Floortime Therapist

Becoming a Floortime Therapist

To become a Floortime therapist, individuals need to have a solid background in child development and meet specific training requirements. Understanding the essential developmental milestones is also crucial for effective implementation of the Floortime therapy approach.

Background and Training Requirements

To embark on a career as a Floortime therapist, a background in child development is essential. Typically, individuals are required to have at least two years of experience working in child development, which can include working at a school, clinic, or hospital with children facing developmental challenges. It is important to note that self-employed individuals can only apply if they are licensed professionals.

Essential Developmental Milestones

A detailed knowledge of the essential developmental milestones is crucial for becoming a proficient Floortime therapist. These milestones form the foundation of the DIR/Floortime approach and enable therapists to effectively assess and support a child's development during therapy sessions.

The essential developmental milestones encompass six basic milestones and three advanced milestones. These milestones cover various aspects of a child's development, including social-emotional skills, communication abilities, and cognitive growth. By understanding these milestones, therapists can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each child.

Basic Developmental Milestones:

1. Regulation and interest in the world
2. Engagement and relating
3. Two-way communication
4. Complex communication and shared problem-solving
5. Emotional ideas and emotional thinking
6. Logical thinking and building bridges between ideas

Advanced Developmental Milestones:

1. Emotional thinking and building bridges between ideas
2. Emotional thinking and building bridges between ideas in a continuous flow
3. Building bridges between different ideas and logical thinking

By familiarizing themselves with these milestones, Floortime therapists can effectively assess a child's developmental level and design appropriate strategies to support their progress throughout therapy sessions.

To become a skilled Floortime therapist, it is recommended to attend a 1-2 day introductory course conducted by experts such as Jake Greenspan and Tim Bleecker, or pass the Mastery Test for Dr. Stanley Greenspan's Online Professional Course. These courses provide comprehensive overviews of the DIR/Floortime approach, equipping therapists with the foundational knowledge required for effective implementation of Floortime techniques.

By acquiring the necessary background in child development and understanding the essential developmental milestones, individuals can embark on a fulfilling journey to become Floortime therapists. The combination of training and knowledge enables therapists to support children with autism in their emotional, social, and cognitive development, helping them reach their full potential.

Training for Floortime Therapy

To become a skilled Floortime therapist, it is essential to undergo specific training that equips you with the necessary knowledge and techniques to effectively implement Floortime therapy. This section will outline the training requirements and introduce the DIR/Floortime approach.

Introductory Course and Mastery Test

To start your journey as a Floortime therapist, attending an introductory course is recommended. These courses are typically conducted by renowned experts in the field, such as Jake Greenspan and Tim Bleecker, within the last two years. The introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of the DIR/Floortime approach, which is the foundation of Floortime therapy.

Alternatively, passing the Mastery Test for Dr. Greenspan's Online Professional Course can also qualify you as a Floortime therapist. This test assesses your understanding of the key concepts and principles of Floortime therapy, ensuring that you have acquired the necessary knowledge to apply the techniques effectively.

By completing the introductory course or passing the Mastery Test, you will gain a solid understanding of the theory and practice of Floortime therapy. This knowledge will serve as a strong foundation for your work as a Floortime therapist.

The DIR/Floortime Approach

The DIR/Floortime approach is the core framework underlying Floortime therapy. DIR stands for "Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based," and it emphasizes a holistic understanding of the child's development, individual differences, and the importance of nurturing relationships [2].

The DIR/Floortime approach focuses on helping children and teens with autism make meaningful connections by emphasizing emotional connection and engagement. It aims to entice children to interact joyfully, building on their strengths and individual differences. By meeting the child at their developmental level and joining them in their play, Floortime therapists create opportunities for growth and learning.

To deepen your understanding and proficiency in the DIR/Floortime approach, you may choose to pursue advanced training through the DIRFloortime Training Program. This program offers various courses, ranging from short workshops to advanced level training [3]. These courses provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills to enhance your ability to implement the DIR/Floortime approach effectively.

By completing the training and gaining expertise in the DIR/Floortime approach, you will be equipped with the necessary tools to guide and support children with autism through Floortime therapy.

As you progress in your journey to become a Floortime therapist, it is important to continue expanding your knowledge and staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field. This ongoing commitment to professional development will ensure that you provide the best possible care for the children and families you work with.

Implementing Floortime Therapy

When it comes to implementing Floortime therapy for children with autism, there are specific considerations to keep in mind. This section will explore the therapy sessions' duration and the involvement of parents and providers in the process.

Therapy Sessions and Duration

Floortime therapy sessions typically last around 20 minutes, although the duration can vary based on the child's needs and attention span. The therapy can be led by parents, guardians, therapists, or even older siblings of autistic children. The focus is on providing a nurturing and engaging environment where children can explore and develop their social and emotional skills.

For more intensive Floortime therapy, sessions can range from two to five hours a day. These longer sessions often take place in a calm and structured environment, either at home or in a professional setting. The extended duration allows for more in-depth engagement and interaction, helping children with autism make significant progress in their development.

Involvement of Parents and Providers

A key aspect of Floortime therapy is the active involvement of parents and providers. Parents play a crucial role in the therapy process, as they are the primary caregivers and have a deep understanding of their child's needs and abilities. They join in the child's activities, follow their lead, and engage them in increasingly complex interactions. By participating in therapy sessions, parents can learn effective strategies to support their child's development even outside of formal therapy sessions.

Providers, such as occupational therapists, can also play a significant role in Floortime therapy. They bring expertise and guidance to help parents and the child achieve therapy goals. Providers assist in creating a structured environment, identifying developmental milestones, and suggesting strategies to enhance the child's progress. Collaboration between parents and providers is essential to ensure consistency and continuity in the child's therapy experience.

By involving parents and providers, Floortime therapy aims to create a holistic approach to the child's development. It encourages active participation from all parties and fosters a supportive and nurturing environment for the child to thrive.

Floortime therapy offers a unique and relationship-based approach to supporting children with autism. By tailoring therapy sessions to the child's individual needs and involving parents and providers, Floortime therapy can have a positive impact on the child's emotional and social development. To learn more about the comparison between Floortime therapy and ABA therapy, refer to our article on Floortime therapy vs. ABA therapy for autism.

Effectiveness of Floortime Therapy

Floortime therapy has gained recognition for its effectiveness in promoting the emotional and social development of children with autism. This approach focuses on helping autistic children and teens make meaningful connections, emphasizing emotional connection and engagement with the child [2]. By incorporating play and child-led interactions, Floortime aims to entice children to interact joyfully and develop their social-emotional skills.

Emotional and Social Development

Floortime therapy has been shown to be effective in improving developmental skills in children with autism. It addresses their social-emotional needs, enhancing communication, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Through the child's interests and preferred activities, Floortime provides opportunities for the child to engage, interact, and develop relationships with their therapists, parents, and peers [1]. This approach encourages the child to take the lead in play, while therapists actively participate and support the child's initiatives.

By focusing on emotional and social engagement, Floortime helps children with autism develop important skills such as:

• Communication: Floortime encourages the child to initiate and respond to communication, promoting language acquisition and expressive skills.
• Emotional Regulation: Through play and interactions, Floortime helps children recognize and manage their emotions, leading to improved emotional regulation.
• Social Interaction: Floortime facilitates social interactions, enhancing the child's ability to engage with others, share experiences, and develop meaningful relationships.

Comparison with ABA Therapy

While both Floortime and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy have proven effective in supporting children with autism, their philosophies, methods, and goals differ. ABA therapy focuses on behavior modification and uses structured, repetitive techniques to teach specific skills. In contrast, Floortime emphasizes emotional engagement, child-led play, and building relationships.

Parents should consider their child's individual needs, learning style, and preferences when choosing between Floortime and ABA therapy. While ABA may be appropriate for teaching specific skills and addressing challenging behaviors, Floortime can be particularly beneficial for children who require support in emotional and social development. It is important to consult with professionals and consider a comprehensive approach that combines the strengths of both therapies to meet the unique needs of the child.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of Floortime therapy is supported by research and studies. Floortime, based on the DIR® model for human development, has augmented social interaction and communication in children with autism. To further explore the origins and key principles of the DIR model and Floortime therapy, refer to our section on The DIR Model and Floortime.

Floortime therapy has had a positive impact on improving the functioning and well-being of children with autism. By addressing their social-emotional needs and promoting engagement, Floortime helps children develop important skills that enhance their overall quality of life. Additionally, parental engagement and active involvement in therapy sessions contribute to the success of Floortime and the achievement of therapeutic outcomes.

The DIR Model and Floortime

Floortime therapy, developed by child psychiatrists Stanley Greenspan, M.D., and Serena Wieder, PhD, is based on the Developmental Individual-difference Relationship-based model (DIR). This model was created in the 1980s as a therapy for children with various developmental delays and issues. The DIR model emphasizes the importance of emotional and social development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Origins and Key Principles

The DIR model focuses on fostering emotional connections and promoting social interactions in children with ASD. It recognizes the individual differences in how children process and respond to the environment. The key principles of the DIR model include:

1. Developmental approach: The DIR model recognizes that children develop in a sequential manner, and it aims to support their development by addressing their individual needs and challenges.
2. Individual differences: The model acknowledges that each child with ASD has unique strengths and weaknesses, and interventions should be tailored accordingly.
3. Relationship-based: The DIR model emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships between the child and their caregivers or therapists. Building strong emotional connections is seen as essential for facilitating the child's development.
4. Floortime: Floortime is a central component of the DIR model. It involves engaging with the child on their level, following their interests, and joining them in their play on the floor. This interactive play helps to promote engagement, communication, and emotional growth.

Studies and Research Findings

Research studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Floortime therapy in children with ASD. In a study by Greenspan and Wieder in 2003, a child named Joey, who was on the autism spectrum, participated in Floortime therapy for three years. The study found that Joey showed continuous improvement over time, suggesting that Floortime therapy played a role in his progress.

Another pilot study conducted by independent researchers in Canada in 2007 supported the effectiveness of Floortime therapy. The study found that Floortime therapy significantly improved emotional development and reduced core symptoms of autism in the children involved.

Furthermore, a study published in a scientific journal emphasized the positive impact of Floortime therapy on the functioning of children with ASD. The study revealed substantial progress across various levels of functioning, including emotive functioning, communication, and daily living skills. Additionally, the study found that parental engagement during Floortime sessions played a significant role in the child's improvement.

It is important to note that the severity of ASD, duration of treatment, parental factors such as marital status and earnings, and parental engagement in Floortime can influence the therapy's outcomes. Therefore, in implementing Floortime therapy, it is crucial to consider these factors and customize the intervention to meet the specific needs of each child.

The DIR model and Floortime have shown promise in supporting the emotional and social development of children with ASD. Through the principles of the DIR model and the interactive play of Floortime therapy, children with ASD can make progress in their communication skills, social interactions, and overall functioning.

Impact of Floortime Therapy

Floortime therapy has demonstrated positive effects in improving various aspects of functioning in children with autism. This section will explore two key areas where floortime therapy has shown significant impact: improvements in children's functioning and the role of parental engagement in achieving therapeutic outcomes.

Improvements in Children's Functioning

Research studies have shown that floortime therapy augments social interaction and communication in children with autism. The therapy focuses on engaging children in activities that build emotional connections and promote reciprocal interactions. By meeting the child at their developmental level and following their lead, floortime therapists help children develop essential skills such as joint attention, turn-taking, and problem-solving.

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders highlighted significant improvements in adaptive behavior and sensory processing patterns among children who received floortime therapy. The outcomes showed enhanced social and emotional skills, increased relationship and social interaction, and improved daily living skills. These findings suggest that floortime therapy has a positive impact on the overall development and functioning of children with autism.

Parental Engagement and Therapeutic Outcomes

One of the key factors contributing to the success of floortime therapy is the active involvement of parents. Research indicates that the more parents engage during floortime sessions, the better the child's improvement in various domains of functioning. Parental engagement plays a crucial role in promoting the child's social-emotional development, communication skills, and overall progress.

A study examining the impact of floortime therapy on parental engagement found that parents' active participation during therapy sessions positively influenced the therapeutic outcomes. The severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), duration of treatment, parental marital status, parental earnings, familiarity with the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based model (DIR), approach to ASD, and parental engagement in floortime were identified as significant factors affecting the therapy outcomes.

By actively engaging in floortime sessions, parents not only support their child's development but also strengthen the parent-child relationship. This involvement creates a nurturing environment for the child's growth and fosters a sense of connection and understanding.

In summary, floortime therapy has shown promising effects on children with autism, enhancing their social-emotional skills, communication abilities, and overall functioning. Additionally, the active engagement of parents during therapy sessions significantly contributes to the positive outcomes. By considering the child's individual needs and learning style, parents and therapists can work together to maximize the benefits of floortime therapy for children with autism.

References

• [1]: https://www.astraaba.com/blog/how-to-become-a-floortime-therapist
• ‍[2]: https://www.verywellhealth.com/floortime-play-therapy-overview
• ‍[3]: https://www.icdl.com/courses/education
• ‍[4]: https://www.autismspeaks.org/dir-floortime
• ‍[5]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10275467/