Article Review: Child Development Outcomes of DIR/Floortime TM-based Programs

 

Photo Credit: Marty Katz/washingtonphotographer.com

Dr. Stanley I. Greenspan in 1989 demonstrated his teaching methods with a mother and her son. 

Article: Boshoff, K., Bowen, H., Paton, H., Cameron-Smith, S., Graetz, S., Young, A., & Lane, K. (2020). Child Development Outcomes of DIR/Floortime TM-based Programs: A Systematic Review. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 87(2), 153-164.

 

Study Aim:

• DIR theory stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based. 
• To provide a systematic search of published research studies using DIR/Floortime interventions to inform practitioners’ decision-making about the use of the model 
• Floortime is the practice based on DIR.
• DIR theory provides a foundation for higher order thinking and relating in children and is intended to help children master the foundational building blocks of relating, communicating, and thinking. 

 

Key Findings:

• The DIR/Floortime Model aims to promote the emotional development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 
• The published research studies using this model are emerging and vary in methodological quality. 
• Nine studies with varying methodological qualities were uncovered in this review.

 

Bottom Line for OT

Results from the included studies demonstrated increased socio-emotional development measured by various outcomes of children with ASD receiving DIR/Floortime model-based treatment.  Occupational therapists may consider using this model along with sound clinical reasoning, intervention fidelity, use of valid outcome measures and regular monitoring. 

 

Post by CAOT-BC fieldwork student Liz Hadhazy

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