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Floortime Vs Play Therapy
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Floortime (DIR) vs Play Therapy: Which Is Right for My Child?
Floortime (DIR) and play therapy both use play, but with different aims. Floortime is a developmental, relationship-based approach that follows the child's lead to build connection, communication and back-and-forth interaction — often chosen for autism, social-communication differences or developmental delays. Play therapy is more emotionally focused, helping children express and process feelings, anxiety or difficult experiences. Neither is universally right; the better fit depends on the child's profile, which a clinician helps you understand through assessment.
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Floortime (DIR) and play therapy both use toys and floor-based play, but differ in purpose. Floortime is a developmental, relationship-based approach where an adult follows and gently expands the child's lead to build connection, communication and thinking — often used with autistic children. Play therapy is a counselling approach where play is the child's language for expressing and working through emotions, anxiety or difficult experiences. Floortime builds developmental foundations; play therapy supports emotional wellbeing, and many children benefit from a blended plan.
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