When you play on the floor with your child or follow their lead in a game you are actually engaging in part of an important pediatric occupational therapy method known as Floortime. This method is primarily used for children with autism spectrum disorder, but can also be beneficial for children with intellectual disabilities.
Let’s learn more about this method together!
What is it?
- This is a relationship-based therapy for children that helps with emotional and developmental growth.
- The Floortime method involves following the child’s lead during play instead of directing them.
- This allows the caregiver or therapist to meet the child at their current emotional and functional level.
What is the goal?
- The goal of Floortime is to engage the child in behavioral, social, and cognitive skills while engaging in emotional connection.
- By utilizing this method, the hope is to meet the child at their developmental level and build on their strengths.
The Six Milestones of Floortime Therapy:
- Self-regulation and interest in the world
- This milestone involves the child developing emotional maturity that better allows them to engage in positive communication.
- Intimacy or engagement in relationships
- This milestone focuses on increased social interaction through eye contact, gestures, engagement, and bonding.
- Two-way communication
- At this milestone, the child will take the initiative to share their feelings. They may share toys or display increased eye contact.
- Complex communication
- This milestone will involve the child using gestures and words during play to engage in cooperative interactions and problem-solving.
- Emotional ideas
- At this milestone, the child is learning to build empathy, ideas, insight, and make sense of the world around them.
- Emotional thinking
- By reaching this milestone, the child is more reflective during play and they have a better understanding of cause and effect. They will have more nuanced reasoning and be more aware of the world around them.
Benefits
There are several benefits for children by using the Floortime method:
- Sensory
- This method includes exposure to different sounds and sensations which will help them become adjusted to sensory input around them.
- Fine and gross motor
- During floortime therapy the child will utilize toys such as blocks, lace up shoes, and string beads to further develop motor skills.
- Emotional and cognitive
- The child will be able to practice different roles and emotions during therapy by using dress-up and story telling.
- Communication
- During therapeutic interactions the child will be guided to work on their expressive and receptive language by answering questions and acting out different situations (i.e. Show me a smile or how do you raise your hand in class?).
If you feel your child could benefit from the Floortime method, Building Blocks occupational therapy is here to help!
References
Floortime | autism speaks. (n.d.-c). https://www.autismspeaks.org/dir-floortime
Guide to floortime therapy? | the therapy place. (n.d.-d). https://www.therapyplacenj.com/guide-to-floortime-therapy/
