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In this episode, we sit down with Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed., Educational Intervention Specialist and founder of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, to explore the heart of DIRFloortime. We dive into the power of connection, the role of play-based therapy, and how honoring all forms of communication can transform the way we support children. Whether you're a parent or professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with curiosity, connection, and compassion.
Lori Benson Adams, M.Ed Educational Intervention Specialist, is the owner of Breakthrough Learning Solutions, a private practice providing direct support to families and children, as well as professional development opportunities to private and school-based professionals nationwide.
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When working with young children—especially those diagnosed with autism or sensory processing difficulties—one of the most powerful shifts we can make as professionals or parents is learning to trust the child. Laurie Benson Adams, an experienced practitioner passionate about the DIR/Floortime model, reaffirms something simple yet transformative:connection comes before correction.
DIR/Floortime is a developmentally-informed, relationship-based model designed to support children’s emotional, sensory, and cognitive development, especially in the context of early intervention. Originally developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, DIR stands for:
Developmental: Focused on where the child is developmentally, not just chronologically.
Individual differences: Acknowledging each child's unique sensory, motor, and language processing needs.
Relationship-based: Centered on building deep, joyful connections as the foundation for learning.
“Floortime” refers to the act of getting down on the floor with the child—literally and metaphorically—to follow their lead and engage at their developmental level.
One of Laurie’s core insights is that learning happens best in the context of safe, meaningful connection. Rather than focusing immediately on isolated skills—like saying a word or stacking blocks—the DIR approach asks:Is this child emotionally regulated? Are they ready to engage?
If a child turns away, it may not mean they’re disinterested or oppositional. Instead, it might signal sensory overload or a need to self-regulate. Trusting the child to return—rather than demanding immediate re-engagement—honors their developmental needs and promotes autonomy.
“If the relationship is really there, you're going to be interesting enough. They're going to come back to you.”
The principles of DIR/Floortime align beautifully with the best practices in early intervention:
Parent Empowerment: Therapy isn’t just a once-a-week service—it’s the million interactions at home. DIR trains parents to be co-facilitators of their child’s growth.
Natural Environments: Interventions are most effective when they occur where the child feels most comfortable—at home, on the floor, or during daily routines.
Play-Based Strategies: Children learn through play. DIR harnesses the power of joyful interaction to support development.
Whether you're a therapist new to the model or a parent wondering where to start, here are actionable strategies grounded in DIR principles:
Rather than redirecting a child back to your activity, join them in theirs. If they leave bubbles to play with trucks, meet them at the trucks.
Growth happens in shared joy, not forced compliance.
Children with developmental or sensory challenges often struggle to process excessive verbal input. Instead of giving multiple commands, use expressive facial cues, gestures, and tone to invite engagement.
Communication is more than words. Encourage gestures, facial expressions, sounds, or AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tools.
Respond to all attempts at interaction, even if they’re nonverbal.
OTTip: Model the correct version of a word rather than correcting errors. For example, if your child says, “I want a gang,” reply with “Oh, you want a drink!”
Not all disengagement is bad. Children may walk away because they’re overstimulated or need to process.
Give them space, and trust that they’ll return when they’re ready.
If you're not having fun, the child likely isn't either. DIR encourages spontaneous, joyful interactions that honor the magic of childhood.
The DIR model sees language as the outcome of emotional engagement and sensory regulation, not the starting point. For children who are pre-verbal or use AAC:
Build shared experiences first.
Expand all communication attempts—a glance, a giggle, a gesture—into back-and-forth interactions.
Use AAC intentionally, not passively. Joint attention, shared reading, and turn-taking help deepen engagement and promote expressive growth.
At Harkla, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive. The DIR/Floortime model invites us to see each child not by their diagnosis or deficits but by their strengths, needs, and capacity to grow through connection.
Whether you’re a therapist seeking new tools or a parent navigating early intervention, let this be your reminder: Connection is the foundation. Trust the process. And always, trust the child.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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