What is DIRFloortime® and why do so many families and practitioners find it transformative?

In this first episode of Rethinking Autism Therapy, Daria Brown is joined by DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader, licensed professional counsellor, and ADHD adult parent Mike Fields to explore the foundations of the DIR® Model and the practice of Floortime. Together, they unpack the developmental, individual-differences, and relationship-based principles that make DIRFloortime® unique, while challenging traditional compliance-based approaches to autism support.

Listeners will learn how Dr. Stanley Greenspan's model grew from his observations of human development, why affect and relationships are central to learning and growth, and how curiosity about the "why" behind behaviour can help us better understand autistic and neurodivergent experiences. Daria and Mike discuss the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs), the importance of co-regulation, intrinsic motivation, play, emotional connection, and how development unfolds differently for every individual.

Whether you are a parent, practitioner, educator, autistic adult, or simply curious about developmental approaches, this conversation offers an accessible introduction to DIRFloortime® as more than a therapy—it is a way of understanding human development, relationships, communication, and growth across the lifespan.

Learn more:

🌐 L. Mike Fields: https://www.myinneractions.com/l-michael-fields

📖 The FEDCs: https://affectautism.com/2015/09/24/the-d/

🌐 The International Council on Development and Learning: https://www.icdl.com/

Produced for the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.

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