Examiner.com

This past week pioneering autism researcher Dr. Stanley Greenspan passed away from complications from a stroke. The energetic and brilliant 68-year-old brought breakthroughs to the treatment of autism and other communication delays by creating "Floortime" therapy, along with his professional partner in the field, Dr. Serena Wieder.

Floortime/DIR therapy (DIR stands for Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based) is all about creating moments of joy during which parents and/or therapists communicate with the child on the child's level, following their lead. Rather than try to force them to perform a series of tasks, like stacking blocks or sorting objects, the goal is to get the child to connect with people, to desire to communicate. And the caregiver or therapist creates that desire by following the child's interest.

For instance, if an autistic child wants to open and close doors repeatedly, rather than try to stop him from performing the repetitive action, the Floortime facilitator would open and close doors with alongside the child. And when the child becomes comfortable with "parallel play," the facilitator takes the play to the next level, creating a "playful obstruction," perhaps holding the door closed until the child made some indication, with sound or sign, that he or she wanted the door opened.

Floortime sessions can be led by a trained therapist, such as a speech or occupational therapist, or by a parent or caregiver. In fact, the "rules" encourage parents to incorporate eight different 30-minute Floortime sessions into each day. Of course, a "session" could be as simple as creating a game out of a trip to the grocery store or a long car ride.

Greenspan's book, Engaging Autism, explains the Floortime philosophy and methods, as well as his team's research into the causes and treatments of autism. In addition, online training seminars are offered to both therapists and caregivers at the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders website. Greenspan co-founded the organization.

Locally, children with communication delays can work with Floortime-trained speech and occupational therapists at the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Pediatric Rehab Unit.