DIR: Floortime- an overview

Canada · CEU points & talks · Psychologists

This engaging talk introduces practitioners to the DIR®/Floortime model—a comprehensive, evidence-based framework designed to support children with autism and related developmental challenges in a developmentally appropriate and relationship-based manner.

DIR (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based) provides a foundation for understanding how emotional, sensory, and relational factors interact to shape development. With a focus on affect-based interactions tailored to individual profiles, the model supports the emergence of cognitive, communicative, and social-emotional capacities.

This talk outlines the three core components of the model—Functional Emotional Developmental Levels (FEDLs), Individual Differences, and Relationships—and provides an overview of how the DIR® approach is applied in therapeutic and educational settings.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:

• Understand the history and foundations of the DIR®/Floortime model.

• Identify and describe the six foundational Functional Emotional Developmental Levels (FEDLs) critical for building regulation, communication, and thinking.

• Recognise the impact of individual sensory and motor differences on development, and how to remain within scope while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

• Appreciate the central role of relationships—particularly parent and caregiver interactions—in supporting a child’s developmental progress.

• Learn basic principles of affect-based intervention, including practical applications of the DIR model in therapy or educational contexts.

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