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DIR®/Floortime™

Relationship-Based Developmental Support

All Services

ABA Therapy

DIR®/Floortime™

DIR®/Floortime™ is a developmental, relationship-based approach that focuses on supporting social, emotional, and communication development through meaningful interactions. At Holding Hands Inc., DIR®/Floortime™ therapy is individualized, responsive, and designed to build foundational capacities for learning, engagement, and connection.

This approach emphasizes following the individual’s lead and building skills through relationships and shared experiences.

What Is DIR®/Floortime™?

DIR®/Floortime™ is based on the Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR®) model. Therapy focuses on understanding each individual’s developmental level, unique differences, and relational needs.

DIR®/Floortime™ may support growth in areas such as:

  • Social engagement and interaction
  • Emotional regulation
  • Communication and language development
  • Shared attention and problem solving
  • Flexible thinking and play skills

Our DIR®/Floortime™ Approach

At Holding Hands Inc., DIR®/Floortime™ therapy is delivered with intention, flexibility, and respect for each individual’s developmental profile.

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Following the individual’s interests and motivations
  • Building skills through natural, meaningful interactions
  • Supporting emotional connection and engagement
  • Individualized goals based on developmental assessment
  • Collaboration with families and care teams

Service Settings

DIR®/Floortime™ therapy is provided in environments that support natural interaction and engagement.

Home & Center-Based ABA

Services may be delivered in home or clinic settings, allowing therapy to integrate into familiar routines and environments that support relationship-based learning.

School-Based ABA

School-based ABA services support students within educational environments. Our team collaborates with school staff to promote classroom participation, learning readiness, and behavior regulation.

Who We Serve

DIR®/Floortime™ therapy services are available for:
  • Children
  • Adolescents
Programs are tailored to each individual’s developmental level, strengths, and support needs.

What to Expect

1

Initial Intake & Developmental Assessment

A comprehensive assessment to understand developmental levels, strengths, and individual differences.

2

Individualized Therapy Plan

Goals and strategies are developed based on developmental priorities and family collaboration.

3

Ongoing Therapy & Support

Sessions focus on engagement, interaction, and relationship-based skill building.

4

Progress Review & Adjustment

Therapy plans are reviewed regularly to ensure continued developmental progress.
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Scheduling a call is the first step in understanding your options. Our team will walk you through services, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your DIR®/Floortime™ Questions, Answered

Learn more about how DIR®/Floortime™ therapy works, what to expect from our programs, and how we support every step of your family’s journey.

DIR®/Floortime™ is a relationship-based, developmental approach that focuses on building emotional connection, communication, and social engagement. It follows the child’s lead and uses play and interaction to support emotional and developmental growth in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
Unlike approaches that rely on structured instruction alone, DIR®/Floortime™ emphasizes relationships and emotional development as the foundation for learning. Therapy is guided by the child’s interests and strengths, helping build motivation, connection, and engagement rather than focusing solely on specific behaviors.
DIR®/Floortime™ can benefit children and adolescents with autism and other developmental differences, particularly those who benefit from a relationship-driven, play-based approach. It is especially helpful for supporting communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
Sessions often look like guided play and shared activities rather than traditional “therapy.” Clinicians join the child at their level, follow their interests, and use those moments to encourage communication, problem-solving, and emotional connection. Sessions are flexible and tailored to each individual.
Yes. Parent involvement is a core part of DIR®/Floortime™. Families are supported and coached to use Floortime strategies during everyday interactions, helping extend learning beyond sessions and strengthen relationships at home.