The DIR^®/Floortime model is based on the idea that emotion is critical to the growth of the mind and brain. Using this approach we follow the child’s lead... that means following his or her emotions.

What interests your child? What gives him or her pleasure?

Whatever that is, whatever sparks your child’s interest... that  is our clue and our window into what he or she is feeling.

The first step is that we have to observe closely so that we can tune into his or her emotional world. Once we figure out what his or her interests are, we can then use that to draw him or her further up the developmental ladder (see developmental stages below.)

We follow your child’s lead by understanding his or her interests and joys. This is a clue to the best way to challenge him or her to move up the developmental ladder in other areas such as language, thinking skills, and motor abiltiies.

Floortime is at the heart of the DIR Model, a developmental, comprehensive program to promote healthy engagement and relationships and to help children with a variety of developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The method is called “Floortime” referring to the recommendation that for twenty or more minutes you get down on the floor to interact with your child, following his or her lead, and reinforcing the aspects of play that bring joy and results in interaction.

STAR Institute incorporates the DIR^® philosophy [Development, Individual differences, and Relationships]. At STAR Institute we use the principles of Floortime™ in play, to focus on engagement and deeper relationships as a vehicle for meeting therapeutic goals of any specific nature (for example language goals or motor goals). Our therapists are trained to follow the core principles of DIR, and specific therapists at STAR Institute are enrolled in the DIR-certificate training program.