What is DIRFloortime®?
DIRFloortime® is a developmental, relationship-based approach to supporting children with additional needs, particularly those with autism and other developmental challenges. It focuses on understanding each child as a unique individual and building meaningful relationships that foster growth across developmental areas. DIR stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based. These threecomponents guide the philosophy behind this model: […]
Definition of DIR
DIRFloortime® is a developmental, relationship-based approach that supports individuals in building meaningful connections, emotional regulation, and communication skills. The “DIR” in DIRFloortime® stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based, three core components that shape this evidence-based framework. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder, DIRFloortime® recognises that each child is unique and requires a […]
What is the Social Thinking® Methodology?
Social Thinking® is a cognitive-behavioural approach that helps individuals understand and navigate the social world. Developed by Michelle Garcia Winner in the late 1990s, this methodology is particularly beneficial for children and adults with social learning challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), social communication disorders, and other related conditions […]
Is Social Thinking® ABA?
At The Whole Child Connection, we often get asked, “Is Social Thinking® the same as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?” While both approaches aim to support individuals in developing social and communication skills, they are fundamentally different in their philosophies, methods, and goals. Understanding Social Thinking® Social Thinking® is a cognitive-based methodology developed by Michelle Garcia […]
Why Achieving FEDC 1 is Crucial for Development
At The Whole Child Connection, we focus on supporting children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth through the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs) framework. One of the most important stages in this framework is FEDC 1, which lays the foundation for all future developmental milestones. Here’s why mastering FEDC 1 is so crucial for a child’s […]
Affect and its Role in DIRFloortime
In the world of DIRFloortime®, affect plays a fundamental role in supporting a child’s emotional and developmental growth. Affect refers to the outward expression of emotions through facial expressions, tone of voice, gestures, and body language. It is the bridge that connects emotions to meaningful social interactions, making it a cornerstone of the DIRFloortime® model. […]
Pragmatic Language: Understanding Social Communication Delays in Children
When we think about language development, we often focus on vocabulary and grammar. However, a crucial aspect of communication is pragmatic language — the social use of language. Pragmatic language encompasses the ability to use language appropriately in various social contexts, follow conversation rules, and interpret non-verbal cues. For some children, these skills develop naturally, […]
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
In recent years, the concept of neurodiversity has gained much-needed recognition, offering a more inclusive and compassionate perspective on the unique ways individuals experience and interact with the world. But what does it mean to take a neurodiversity-affirming approach, and why is it so beneficial for children and their development? What is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is […]
The Importance of a Sensory-Based Approach to Therapy
Every day, our brains process an incredible amount of sensory information — sights, sounds, smells, textures, and movements. For many children, especially those with sensory processing challenges, this can be overwhelming and affect their ability to engage, learn, and connect with the world around them. A sensory-based approach to therapy recognises the vital role that […]