Once a child is diagnosed with autism, parents often feel overwhelmed by the number of therapies and approaches available. While ABA therapy is one of the more commonly known therapies, there’s another approach that has been quietly making a powerful impact in the lives of many autistic children and their families.
This is none other than Floortime therapy.
This therapy doesn’t require a therapy center or special equipment. In fact, as the name suggests, much of it happens on the floor. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the techniques used in Floortime therapy, how they work, and why they matter so much for autistic children.
Meet the Child Where They Are
Floortime starts by observing the child. The therapist or parent spends time watching the child play or engage in activities without interrupting or trying to redirect. This is crucial because it allows the adult to gain insight into the child’s interests, sensory preferences, emotional responses, and current developmental stage.
The goal is not to change what the child is doing, but to understand it and then find a way to join in.
Rather than trying to pull the child into the adult’s world, Floortime invites the adult into the child’s world. For example, if a child is repeatedly spinning a toy car, instead of stopping the behavior, the adult might get their own toy car and spin it too. This shared experience can become the foundation for interaction and connection.
Once the adult has successfully entered the child’s world, the next step is to build on that connection and gradually encourage the child to expand their thinking, communication, and emotional engagement.
Follow the Child’s Lead
Following the child’s lead is one of the cornerstones of Floortime. It doesn’t mean letting the child do whatever they want. Rather, it means observing what captures their interest and then using that interest as a doorway into interaction.
Imagine a child who loves dinosaurs. A parent might sit down beside the child and start engaging by pretending their dinosaur is talking to the child’s dinosaur.
They might create a little story, a dramatic scene, or even a silly voice. If the child responds, that’s a moment of connection. That’s the beginning of a social-emotional interaction.
Floortime is built on what are called “circles of communication.” Each circle begins when one person initiates an interaction and ends when the other responds. These circles can be verbal or nonverbal, as simple as a glance or as complex as a conversation. The goal is to open and close as many of these circles as possible, gradually increasing the depth, duration, and complexity of interaction.
Expand Emotional and Cognitive Capacities
Floortime therapy is more than just play. Each interaction is guided by developmental goals. The therapist or parent uses every opportunity to gently challenge the child to grow in areas such as:
These developmental milestones are approached not through drills or demands, but through joyful, emotionally-rich play.
If a child becomes frustrated, scared, or disengaged, the adult responds not with punishment or withdrawal of rewards but with empathy, support, and curiosity. “You’re upset right now. That’s okay. I’m here with you.” These moments are seen as opportunities to build emotional resilience and trust.
Create a Safe, Responsive Environment
One of the most beautiful aspects of Floortime is its emphasis on emotional safety. Many autistic children experience the world as overwhelming or unpredictable. Floortime helps by creating a predictable, respectful environment where the child feels understood and valued.
This doesn’t just mean reducing noise or sensory input, though that can certainly help. It means making sure the child knows they can express themselves so they will be met with patience and respect. It means slowing down, being present, and truly listening.
Parents and caregivers are not only allowed but encouraged to be part of the process. In fact, one of the goals of Floortime is to strengthen the parent-child relationship.
Parents learn to read their child’s cues, respond with attunement, and become the primary agents of their child’s development.
This can be incredibly empowering for families. Instead of feeling like they’re always “doing therapy” or managing behaviors, they get to enjoy their child. They get to laugh, play, be silly, and experience the joy of watching their child grow.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
While trained therapists often guide Floortime sessions, parents and caregivers are essential to the success of the approach. They’re the ones who spend the most time with the child and know them best. Floortime empowers them with tools and confidence to make everyday moments therapeutic.
A 15-minute play session after dinner. A shared bath time routine. A walk in the park filled with pretend games. These moments can all become rich opportunities for growth and connection.
Parents often find that this approach transforms not just their child, but their entire family dynamic. Stress levels decrease. Laughter increases. And even in the hard moments, there’s a sense of purpose and progress.
If you’re looking to better understand ABA therapy and its benefits, be sure to check out our article, The Basics of Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy for Autistic Kids.
Conclusion
Floortime therapy offers a gentle, respectful, and deeply human path to supporting autistic children. It’s not about fixing or changing who the child is. It’s about honoring their individuality, building relationships, and helping them grow from a place of emotional safety and trust.
In a world that often pressures children to meet milestones, follow rules, and behave a certain way, Floortime offers something radical: a space where the child is seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Through this model, autistic children are given the chance to thrive not by being pushed, but by being met with love, presence, and play. At Jade ABA Therapy, we bring this philosophy to life by offering compassionate, high-quality ABA services in Maryland tailored to each child’s unique needs.
If you’re ready to explore a better way forward for your child, contact us today — we’re here to help your family every step of the way.
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