Most infants and toddlers develop in a somewhat stepwise manner. They master developmental milestones rather predictably in a certain order by a certain age.

Often, these milestones are best achieved though interactions with others where they learn social and communication skills as well as correct behavior.

However, many children with developmental disorders, such as autism, did not achieve their milestones as infants and toddlers appropriately. In addition, these individuals also did not develop well in the areas of social, communication and behavior.

So, what should you do for your child with autism?

Well, the folks at The Floortime Foundation believe that you and your child need to get back on the floor and relearn missing milestones in a one-on-one setting during several 20 or 30 minute daily sessions.

You play with your child individually while simultaneously promoting interactions leading to improved development.

These sessions form the foundation for the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship (DIR) approach to autism therapy.

First, you find out what interests your child. Then, you join your child and connect with him on his developmental level while following his direction. You strive to interact with him and respond to him enthusiastically. You are encouraging attention and building relationships.

When your child expresses himself and shows his intent, you respond joyfully and stimulate further interactions. This positive feedback encourages positive emotions which in turn encourages further learning. Your child discovers cause and effect!

At first, your child may ignore you, but you need to insist on a response from him. You can use sensory toys and motor activities to initiate interactions.

You should also use exaggerated body language, gestures and tone of voice to facilitate communication.

Eventually, he will also learn about give and take exchange in conversation. And then, social and communications skills also improve.

He will also learn to express his feelings and ideas verbally through pretend play.

Gradually, add problem-solving activities to your sessions to help with cognition, abstract reasoning and logical thought.

And your entire family can participate in floortime by interacting with your autistic child and with each other!

Sound like fun?

Go ahead and start playing and interacting with your child on the floor right now!

Children all along the entire autism spectrum can easily benefit from this approach.

However, in order to maximize your effectiveness, you would need to be more fully trained in the DIR approach.

Also, the overall therapy is more effective if his other therapists for speech therapy or occupational therapy or physical therapy use these principles and techniques under the direction of a DIR clinician.

But, you can achieve an incredible amount of benefit from you own floortime program with your own child in your own home!

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