The power of Floor Time: a game changer for children with additional needs

Floor Time for Children with Additional Needs

For children with special needs, early intervention and personalised approaches to learning and socialisation are crucial for development. One of the most effective methods for fostering engagement, communication, and emotional growth is Floor Time, a technique introduced by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder in their book, The Child with Special Needs. 

What is Floor Time?
There is a strong focus on building meaningful interactions between a child and their caregivers. Instead of directing a child's play, the adult is encouraged to join them at their level, following their lead while gently expanding their ideas. This method nurtures creativity, problem solving, and emotional regulation in a stress free way. What I particularly loved about this model was the emphasis on stress free play and how important it is to stop when there are any sign of distress. 

Why I am a big fan of Floor Time
I'm a big fan of the Floor Time Model as I did this course many years ago and found it to be very effective. Floor Floor time taught me to be creative around Ailis's special Interests. Her stress around dressing up at Halloween was solved by using her love of leaves to make a leaf dress costume. From there on in, dressing up at Halloween became customary and Ailis even won a prize one year for best dressed. We never looked back!

The Benefits of Floor Time for Children with Additional Needs

1. Strengthens Emotional Connections

Floor Time has the potential to foster deep emotional bonds between children and caregivers. By engaging in play at the child's developmental level, caregivers validate the emotions of the child and encourage trust and connection, which is especially beneficial for autistic children or those with sensory processing challenges.

2. Encourages Communication

Many children with additional needs have a tendency to struggle with expressive and receptive language. Floor Time helps by creating a safe, engaging environment where communication naturally develops. By following a child's lead and responding to their actions with enthusiasm and intent, caregivers can encourage verbal and non-verbal cues, and work on building circles of communication with their child.

3. Supports Cognitive and Social Development

By building on a child’s interests and expanding their play, Floor Time helps develop problem-solving skills, flexibility in thinking, and the ability to engage in back-and-forth interactions. These skills are especially important for children who may struggle with transitions or rigid thinking patterns.

4. Enhances Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is a common challenge for children with additional needs. Engaging in interactive play within the Floor Time framework helps children practice coping mechanisms, emotional control, and adaptive responses to social and environmental stimuli.

5. Tailors Learning to Individual Needs

The Child with Special Needs recognizes that every child is unique. Floor Time respects each child’s individual differences, providing an adaptive framework that supports their specific developmental trajectory, rather than imposing rigid expectations.

Implementing Floor Time at Home

Parents and caregivers can integrate Floor Time into daily routines by:

·        Setting aside a block of time to engage in child-led play.
·        Observing the child’s interests first and then joining in their activities.
·        Using animated, warm interactions to encourage engagement.
·        Expanding play themes by introducing new ideas gently and slowly.
·        Encouraging problem-solving and social interaction without overwhelming the child.

Conclusion

Floor Time is a powerful, research-backed approach which honours each child’s developmental journey. This method promotes deeper connections and meaningful progress empowering children to reach their fullest potential while nurturing a trusting relationship.