Floortime Model In Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment

It is important to diagnose and treat children with Autism Spectrum disorders (ASD) as soon as possible. The behavioral approaches are used to treat children with ASD, the approaches include different programs such as the Developmental-Individual Difference-Relationship Based Model (DIR) and the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

The DIR is a model of treatment which focuses on the acquisition of social skills that are required for the interaction with others. The “Opening Circles” and the “Closing Circles” are also emphasized. This is how the child directs his play in the context of the DIR model. It is vital that family members and educators work together to grow these circles. Adults form the basis for appropriate play and interactions. The DIR can be useful in fostering shared interest, which will lead to engagement. This model also allows for communication and problem-solving to be worked out. Floortime is part of DIR, which encourages ASD children to engage with others and their parents through natural play on the ground (at home, in the playground, or during play sessions). It has multiple goals: it follows the child, challenges him to be more spontaneous and creative, and involves his emotions, senses, motor abilities, and sensory skills. Intensive programs can be up to 25-hours per week. It focuses on the theory that behavior can be taught and learned through a reward and consequence system. In ABA, the first step is to dissect the behavior with the ABC model. ABA strategies can help build more socially beneficial repertoires by reducing problematic ones. These strategies include task analyses, chainings, promptings, fadings, shapings, differential reinforcements, generalizations, video modelings, discrete-trial trainings (DTTs), and natural environment (NETs). ABA methods can be applied in structured classrooms, everyday settings (family meals), one-onone instruction or group sessions. ABA is used in intensive early intervention programs (below 4 years old). Intensive ABA programmes can range from 25-40 hours a week for 1-3 months.

DIR and ABA are similar in three ways: both involve parents and use intensive planning. Both also take progressive steps to achieve a goal.

The first is that parents are involved in the therapy. The parents play a major role in Floortime. The therapist and parents collaborate to create goals, and the child is involved in both therapy and daily life. In ABA programs, parents take part in the planning process and help set goals. They are also invited to regular meetings where they can see how their child is progressing.

The second is intensive planning. Both programs demand a lot of time. The total floortime time per week can reach over 25 hours. ABA therapy can last up to 25 hours a week with therapists.

Final step: the progress towards a target. Floortime and ABA both seek to reach a specific goal by improving the child’s level. Floortime focuses the child on learning and gaining their attention, while ABA teaches them “how to learn”.

DIR has many differences from ABA, including the ways in which the child expresses himself, what he thinks about the world, and how he processes it.

The first is the effect of the child’s mood on his attention level and the importance of relationships. Floortime is a therapy that relies heavily on parents. It is the relationship between the child and parent that brings emotions to the forefront of Floortime therapy. This helps with communication, engagement, and attention. Every behavior matters and is interpreted in order to better understand the message that a child with ASD wishes to convey. Parents may be involved with ABA but they are not necessarily required to implement therapy. Instead, the role of the parent is to reinforce ABA across all settings.

Second, the child’s learning and processing. The DIR emphasizes the unique “sensory-motor profiles” of every child. This explains each child’s behavior and guides treatment. However, ABA believes that these differences and behaviors are a consequence or antecedent to other behaviors.

The third is the way the child shares his thoughts and views. Floortime is a self-directed game where the child can impersonate his inner thoughts and the world. However, ABA teaches a person with ASD the art of playing, which is meant to foster future development in the expression and process of their thoughts.

It’s also about how emotions are regulated. Parents demonstrate their emotions in Floortime and show them to their children, such as love and support. If the child has ASD, they may react with anger, fear or joy. Parents and therapists are looking for the cause of the emotion. ABA however, treats emotions and moods as behaviors, which can be modified and measured using reinforcements. Positive reinforcements are given to desired behaviors, but origins of the behaviors are not taken into consideration.