BRAVE Speech & Language Services

Dirfloortime® Therapy

Helping each child and family find their BRAVE voice

DIRFloortime® Therapy for children with autism and developmental differences

DIRFloortime® is a child-led, relationship-based therapy that helps children with Autism, and those with developmental differences build meaningful connections, strengthen social engagement, and foster emotional growth. Rather than focusing on compliance or structured skill-building, Floortime meets the child where they are, following their interests and interactions to promote natural development.

Rooted in the Developmental, Individual-Differences, and Relationship-Based (DIR) model, this approach recognizes every child’s unique strengths, sensory profile, and communication style. Through interactive play, caregivers and therapists support growth across six developmental stages—enhancing emotional regulation, communication, sensory processing, and problem-solving skills.

At BRAVE, we integrate Floortime principles into our autism and pediatric speech therapy programs, creating engaging, culturally responsive experiences that respect each child’s way of interacting with the world. Our goal is to build trust, expand communication, and nurture joyful learning—one meaningful interaction at a time.

How We Support Families Using DIRFloortime® at BRAVE

At BRAVE, we provide individualized, connection-driven interventions that honor each child’s unique developmental journey.

Our founder, Narmilee Dhayanandhan, has been a certified DIRFloortime® provider and Expert Training Leader with the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL) since 2010. She has extensive experience implementing DIRFloortime® with families, building meaningful, relationship-based supports that foster communication, social growth, and emotional regulation.

Narmilee also served as a clinician in the first DIRFloortime® treatment efficacy study at the MEHRIT Centre in 2006, later published in Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice (Vol. 17, Issue 2).

Today, she integrates DIRFloortime® therapy in her weekly work with families who value a developmental, relationship-based approach to supporting children on the Autism spectrum. She empowers caregivers with practical tools to nurture emotional connection, communication, and social engagement, helping every child thrive in their own authentic way.

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KEY PRINCIPLES OF DIRFloortime®

Child-Centered Approach
DIRFloortime® is focused on the child’s interests and developmental level. The therapist follows the child’s lead, using play and interaction to engage them in meaningful ways, building trust and emotional connections.
Developmentally-Based
The model is structured around six developmental stages that children progress through. Each stage targets specific milestones in emotional, social, and cognitive growth, helping children develop at their own pace.
Focus on Emotional and Social Development
DIRFloortime® emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, social interactions, and building meaningful connections. It fosters emotional bonds by encouraging back-and-forth communication and reciprocal interactions.
Individualized Therapy
Therapy is tailored to each child’s unique needs and abilities, ensuring that interventions are personalized. The approach recognizes that every child develops differently and aims to meet them where they are in their emotional and social development.
Integration of Caregivers
Parents and caregivers are actively involved in therapy sessions. They are trained to use the DIRFloortime® techniques at home, helping to reinforce skills and providing consistent support across different environments.
Play-Based Learning
DIRFloortime® uses play as a primary tool for learning. Through playful, interactive activities, children are encouraged to engage, communicate, and problem-solve, making the process enjoyable and motivating for them.

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”

– Fred Rogers – 

EVIDENCE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIRFloortime®

Key Studies Supporting DIRFloortime®

The DIRFloortime® approach, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, and Serena Weider, PhD, has been extensively studied for its effectiveness in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research highlights its impact on social-emotional development, communication, and engagement.

  • Solomon et al. (2014) – A randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of DIRFloortime® interventions compared to traditional behavioral approaches. Findings showed significant improvements in social-emotional development among children with ASD (Summary available at KidsAttuned).
  • Casenhiser, Shanker, & Steiben (2011) – This study demonstrated that DIRFloortime® interventions led to increased joint attention and engagement, which are critical for language development (Summary available at Maui Child Development).
  • Liao et al. (2014) – Research involving 11 children aged 45-69 months found that parent training and intervention using DIRFloortime® improved social communication skills (Summary available at KidsAttuned).
  • Barghi et al. (2024) – A study assessing the impact of DIRFloortime® play therapy on social skills and emotion regulation found significant positive changes in children with ASD (Summary available at BriefLands).
  • Cullilane, D. (2024) - A review of research on DIRFloortime®, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting social-emotional growth, communication, and engagement by following the child’s lead through play. The article emphasizes positive outcomes when families and therapists collaborate closely, and the importance of individualized, relationship-based care. [Summary available at KidsAttuned].

These studies contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting DIRFloortime® as an effective, relationship-based intervention for autistic children.

“Children who struggle to communicate define what it means to be BRAVE in this world.”
– Narmilee Dhayanandhan, Founder of BRAVE – 

GET STARTED WITH BRAVE TODAY

Location

Located in the heart of Ajax, Ontario

Phone

(416) 738-5775

Email

info@bravespeech.ca

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    Culturally Responsive Autism Care

    Bridging Connection, Compassion, and Co-Regulation

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