At Irvine Therapy Services, DIRFloortime® Therapy is a core service and foundational framework guiding how we understand and support child development.
DIRFloortime® is often sought by families looking for a neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-based alternative to behavior-focused models, or for children whose emotional regulation differences are frequently misunderstood or mislabeled as behavior problems.
The only clinic in Orange County with a multidisciplinary team of trained DIR practitioners — offering DIRFloortime® as both a stand-alone service and integrated within Speech and Occupational Therapy.
Created by Stanley Greenspan, MD, DIRFloortime® is an evidence-informed model using the child's own relationships and interests as the engine for growth.
Understanding where a child is developmentally and supporting growth from the inside out — meeting them exactly where they are.
Honoring each child's unique sensory, motor, emotional, and regulatory profile — no two children are the same.
Using trusting relationships as the foundation for learning, communication, and regulation. Connection drives development.
Floortime® refers to the process of meeting a child where they are, following their lead, and using shared play and interaction to support emotional, social, and communication development.
Development is not something that happens to a child. It happens because of the child's experiences within relationships.
— Dr. Stanley Greenspan, Creator of DIRFloortime®
Sessions are play-based, interactive, and highly individualized. Rather than targeting isolated behaviors, DIRFloortime® looks below the surface to understand what a child is communicating and what support they need to grow.
DIRFloortime® may be provided: as its own dedicated service, or integrated within Speech Therapy or Occupational Therapy with DIR guiding goals, interaction style, and clinical decision-making.
DIRFloortime® is traditionally associated with autistic and neurodivergent children, and widely used within those communities. We also believe it represents best practice for understanding all children developmentally.
It can be especially helpful for children who:
Rather than asking how to stop a behavior, DIRFloortime® asks what the child is communicating and how development can be supported.
Families often ask how DIRFloortime® compares to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). While both are used to support children, they are grounded in fundamentally different philosophies.
Want to go deeper? Purchase our ABA vs. DIRFloortime® Webinar to explore which approach may be the right fit for your family.
DIRFloortime® is built on partnership with caregivers. Families are actively involved through coaching, reflection, and shared problem-solving.
Beginning in 2026, California law recognizes DIRFloortime® as a required covered option for families. While we continue navigating what this means for insurance reimbursement and provider contracts, we remain committed to delivering relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care rooted in development and connection.
We also support families in understanding this evolving landscape and can help guide advocacy and conversation as these new opportunities emerge.
