DIR Floortime® at Little Buddies
Play-led. Relationship-centred. Evidence-based.
At Little Buddies, DIR Floortime® is woven into everything we do. Our clinic is currently the only clinic in the Lower Mainland led by a certified DIR Floortime® Trainer, which means every session is grounded in the principles that make this approach so powerful: following your child’s lead, building genuine connection, and supporting growth through play and relationship attunement.
What is DIR Floortime®?
DIR Floortime® is an evidence-based approach developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, M.D., and Dr. Serena Weider, Ph.D., for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodivergency and developmental differences. The name tells you everything about the approach:
D – Developmental:
Every child follows a unique developmental roadmap. DIR Floortime® meets children exactly where they are, not where a chart says they should be, and builds upward from there, step by step.
I – Individual Differences:
No two children are the same. Each child’s sensory profile, motor abilities, communication style, and learning preferences are taken into account when building a therapy plan. What works beautifully for one child may not suit another, and that’s completely expected.
R – Relationship:
Progress happens through connection. The relationships a child has with their caregivers and therapists are the engine of growth in this approach. Floortime creates the conditions for those relationships to flourish.
Floortime, the hands-on part of DIR, is exactly what it sounds like, i.e, getting down on the floor and joining a child in their world. By following a child’s lead, engaging their interests, and building on spontaneous moments of connection, therapists and caregivers help expand a child’s emotional, social, and communication capacities.
Over 30 years of research has validated the central role of emotional experience and caregiver relationships in child development, and DIR Floortime® is built on those foundations.
What Does DIR Floortime® Help With?
DIR Floortime® targets the core areas of challenge for children with autism and developmental differences by developing them through meaningful, joyful interaction.
The approach addresses:
- Social engagement: helping children connect and stay connected with the people around them
- Social communication: supporting children in expressing themselves and understanding others, using any mode of communication that works for them
- Emotional development: building the capacity to experience, regulate, and share a range of emotions
- Broadening of interests: expanding a child’s world in ways that feel safe, exciting, and driven by their own curiosity
Because DIR Floortime® is always individualized, a child’s sensory needs, motor skills, visual-spatial abilities, and cognitive profile are all considered as part of the picture. Skills are never targeted in isolation; they grow naturally through the emotional and relational work at the heart of every session.
Is DIR Floortime® Right for My Child?
DIR Floortime® is most commonly used with children who have received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but it is appropriate for any child experiencing challenges with:
- Social connection and engagement
- Communication and language development
- Emotional regulation and self-expression
- Sensory processing differences
- Developmental delays
Because it is so highly individualized, DIR Floortime® is a good fit for children of many different ages, profiles, and levels of support need. If you’re unsure whether Floortime is the right approach for your child, we’re happy to talk it through with you.
What to Expect
Floortime sessions are playful by design, but there’s a great deal of thoughtful clinical work happening beneath the surface.
Your child’s therapist will:
- Follow your child’s lead, joining whatever activity or interest is capturing their attention
- Create warm, engaging interactions that invite your child to connect and communicate
- Build on spontaneous moments, like a smile, a glance, a shared moment of excitement, to deepen the connection
- Gently expand your child’s engagement, communication, and emotional range in ways that feel natural and enjoyable
- Integrate sensory and motor considerations so your child feels comfortable and regulated throughout
Sessions are never scripted. Every session responds to where your child is on that particular day.
What DIR Floortime® Looks Like at Little Buddies
Our director and lead occupational therapist, Keith, is one of only a small number of certified DIR Floortime® Trainers in Canada. With over 25 years of experience as an occupational therapist, trained at New York University and with advanced training in Sensory Integration, Neuro-Developmental Treatment, and Multiple Therapeutic Learning Systems, Keith brings a depth of expertise that is rare in this field.
Keith initially trained at Babies and Children’s Hospital of New York City, and his commitment to DIR Floortime® has shaped the culture of Little Buddies from the ground up.
What that means for your family:
Every therapist is trained in DIR Floortime®. At Little Buddies, DIR principles are embedded in how our entire team works. Our occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists integrate Floortime into every treatment session, so your child benefits from this approach regardless of which therapist they’re working with.
Your child’s individual profile guides everything. We begin by understanding who your child is, their sensory needs, communication style, strengths, interests, and challenges. That picture shapes every goal we set and every session we deliver.
Families are part of the process. DIR Floortime® recognizes that parents and caregivers are the most important people in a child’s life. We work collaboratively with families, sharing strategies and insights so that Floortime extends beyond the clinic and into everyday life at home, at school, and everywhere in between.
Start Your DIR Floortime® Journey
If you’re looking for a team that truly lives and breathes DIR Floortime®, we’d love to connect.
We serve families across Burnaby, Richmond, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland, with clinics in Burnaby (Monday–Saturday, 9am–6pm) and Richmond (Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm).
Ready to take the next step? All new clients begin with an assessment so we can understand your child’s unique profile and develop meaningful goals together. From there, we’ll build a plan that works for your child and your family.
FAQs About DIR Floortime®
What does DIR stand for in DIR Floortime®?
DIR stands for Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship, the three core frameworks that guide this approach. Together, they describe a method that meets each child at their developmental level, honours their individual profile, and uses relationships as the primary vehicle for growth.
What age is DIR Floortime® appropriate for?
DIR Floortime® can support children from infancy through adolescence. It is most commonly used with young children during key developmental years, especially for children experiencing challenges with communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, sensory processing, or autism spectrum disorder.
Is DIR Floortime® evidence-based?
Yes. Over 30 years of research has supported the role of developmental principles, emotional experience, and caregiver relationships in the treatment of autism and developmental differences. DIR Floortime® draws on this body of research and continues to be studied and refined.
How is DIR Floortime® different from ABA?
DIR Floortime® and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) are different in their foundations. ABA focuses on behaviour and uses structured reinforcement to build skills. DIR Floortime® focuses on emotional and developmental foundations, using spontaneous, play-based interactions to build connection, communication, and engagement. Many families choose Floortime because of its emphasis on the whole child and the central role it gives to relationships.
Is DIR Floortime® therapy covered by autism funding in BC?
In many cases, DIR Floortime® therapy may be eligible under autism funding programs in British Columbia when provided by approved professionals. Coverage can vary depending on the type of service, provider qualifications, and current funding guidelines. Families are encouraged to contact us at Little Buddies Pediatric Therapy directly to discuss available funding options and eligibility.
Can DIR Floortime® be used alongside occupational therapy or speech therapy?
Absolutely. At Little Buddies, DIR Floortime® principles are integrated with occupational therapy and speech-language pathology, creating a comprehensive, relationship-centred approach. We also collaborate with school teams, other clinicians, and community supports as needed.
Do I need a diagnosis to access DIR Floortime® therapy?
No. While DIR Floortime® is widely used with children who have received an ASD diagnosis, it is suitable for any child experiencing challenges with social engagement, communication, or development. A referral or diagnosis is not required to reach out to us.
How involved do parents need to be in DIR Floortime®?
Parent involvement is an important part of DIR Floortime®. Therapists work closely with caregivers to help them better understand their child’s developmental needs and learn strategies they can use during everyday interactions at home. The goal is to support connection and development beyond therapy sessions alone.