Abstract
The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) Model can be used in occupational therapy practice to intentionally promote the social-emotional development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by combining DIRFloortime strategies and sensory integration treatment. DIRFloortime offers a comprehensive framework that integrates self-regulation, engagement, and participation in everyday activities within a collaborative and supportive relationship while interacting in a sensory world.
This article provides a brief introduction to the DIR Model and its first three core functional emotional developmental capacities. In addition, this article advocates supporting sensory integration treatment by using DIRFloortime strategies that promote connection and attunement for children with ASD who have sensory modulation differences, as well as discusses potential adverse effects of neglecting and discrediting sensory modulation difference, which may include masking and social gaslighting for children with ASD.
Learning Objectives
1. Discuss the three principles of the DIR Model
2. Describe the model’s first three core functional emotional developmental capacities in relation to sensory integration strategies
3. Identify the potential risks of not understanding and/or supporting the individual sensory processing differences of children with ASD
4. Describe sensory modulation patterns and their impact on facilitating social-emotional development
Learning Level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Content Focus: Domain: Areas of Occupation and Performance Skills; OT Process: Interventions; Professional Issues: Contemporary Issues and Trends
Reference Information:
St. Germain-Dillon, Courtney, MS, OTR/L; Peters, Stephanie, MS, OTR/L
(CEA January, 2021) Combining DIRFloortime and Sensory Integration for Children With ASD