Floor Time Therapy: Unleashing the Magic of Following the Lead
When I started my carrier, I haven’t heard
about ‘floor therapy’. For me, like most others, “floor” was only a simple
surface which witnesses continuous foot traffic all day long. From a dirty
walking surface of caves to many layered and imported stone-wood-metal-concrete
floors, today's floors are varied and offer advanced features with the help of
modern technology. That was all I knew. As I began working in the Autism field,
my research introduced me to the intriguing work of Dr. Stanley Greenspan, and
specifically the Floortime Approach. It never crossed my mind that a floor can
be a source of rejuvenation, repose and relaxation. That it could bring back
tranquility to many individuals.
It’s fascinating how babies enjoy their time on
the floor, exploring their own world. On the contrary, as adults we are so busy
with juggling our social and professional lives, that we have lost the magic
and joy of play time. We hardly have any time to get down on the floor and play
with our kids. Being a counsellor, I have come across many unsettling beliefs
and opinions that adults hold when it comes to the value of such activities.
Parents who discover that their child suffers from neurodevelopmental delays
are often baffled with the many studies and researches available on this
condition on the web and beyond. Many of those studies question the effectiveness of floor time therapy. How can floor time help them understand their child? How
can playing on the floor help their child in terms of achieving developmental
goals? To an extent, it’s not their fault because in today’s world we tend to
focus on the end result of any given process, rather than on “the journey”. So
much, that we have forgotten that there is a ‘process’ on the way to the
“result”.
As a counselor my role is to suggest therapies,
developmental pediatricians, neurologists and most importantly schools to my
clients that will help their child understand and meet his/her unique needs. My
preference has always been a school that follows the DIR model, such as the
Rebecca School in New York City. Following Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s floor
therapy, schools that follow this model encourage educators and parents to
follow their child into his/her world. Instead of instructing children that
they will be doing one exercise followed by another activity, the faculty at
institutions that follow this model pay attention and understand the behavioral
pattern of each individual child. They communicate with them, obstruct them
playfully and persuade them towards their goal.
Every time I visit schools that follow the DIR
Model (Such as Rebecca school) I am left spellbound by the unparalleled
enthusiasm and positivity of the therapists, trainers and special educators.
The vibrancy of both the parents and the children participating in floor time
therapy activities is always very inspiring for me to witness. Floortime therapy is not just an another approach developed to help children with autism
but a model that offers long lasting benefits that go beyond a regular day at
school.
Before signing off, I would like you to have a
look at this awe-inspiring video of Katy Perry performing live with 11 year old
Jodi who is fighting autism. And always remember that beliefs hold weight only
when you decide that they are true. Believe that your child can pursue any
dream, breaking off all the barriers of neurodevelopmental disorders along the
way.
0 comments