Floortime is the applied component of the DIR model created by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. It is a relationship-based therapy where the adult follows the child's lead during play, joining their activities and gradually expanding interaction. The therapist or parent meets the child at their current developmental level and works through six functional emotional developmental levels — from shared attention and engagement through logical thinking and reflection. Floortime sessions happen on the floor (or wherever the child is comfortable) and look like natural play. The model emphasizes emotional connection as the foundation for cognitive and language growth. DIR/Floortime is used by occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and trained parents.
Some HCBS waivers cover Floortime as a developmental therapy. The Atlas can help you identify states where DIR/Floortime providers accept Medicaid or waiver funding.