973-899-8556

DIR/Floortime therapy in New Jersey

Your dreams are within reach

We help you reach the moments you’ve been hoping for — through play, genuine connection, and support that meets your child where they are.

Communication

Emotional regulation

Social problem solving

Self-care

Floortime therapy

What is DIR/Floortime therapy?

DIR/Floortime® uses play to help your child develop. It’s built on what neuroscience has proven: Connection is the bedrock for true learning. Rather than drilling behaviors, DIR respects your child’s individual sensory profile. It gently stretches them toward new developmental milestones within their own interests, nurturing their growth naturally and joyfully.

Learn more about DIR

Natural, not
forced

There’s no set agenda. The therapist follows your child’s interests, gently expanding interaction and focus. Development feels like discovery, not demand.

Natural, not forced

There's no set agenda. The therapist follows your child's interests, gently expanding interaction and focus. Development feels like discovery, not demand.

In their
world

DIR invites you into your child’s inner world. When you meet children where they are, something shifts — and attention, curiosity, and learning start to unfold.

In their world

DIR invites you into your child’s inner world. When you meet children where they are, something shifts — and attention, curiosity, and learning start to unfold.

Relationships
first

Relationships are foundational. Learning, regulation, and social skills grow through warm interaction that stays in sync with your child’s mood and energy.

Relationships first

Relationships are foundational. Learning, regulation, and social skills grow through warm interaction that stays in sync with your child’s mood and energy.

Parents as
partners

Relationships are foundational. Learning, regulation, and social skills grow through warm interaction that stays in sync with your child’s mood and energy.

Parents as partners

You’re not watching someone else try to “fix” your child. You’re learning to understand your child’s unique needs so growth — and love — can flourish more freely.

“There were nuances that the speech therapist and OT were missing that became much clearer when we started Floortime for my daughter Sara. Her weaknesses were subtle, but something was definitely missing. After just the initial evaluation and first few sessions, I could tell Floortime would be a game changer for my daughter.”
N.F. Parent
“All Eli wanted was to be on his iPad, and he was very resistant to interacting with others. We began by connecting through the modalities he was most comfortable with. This opened his eyes to a new world of building bridges with others—something that no longer felt out of reach. Today, Eli is still working on deepening his relationships, but he has a strong foundation of engagement and joint attention that was built through DIR.”
B.P. DIR Therapist
“My son Zach has always been very anxious about storms, but during his DIR sessions I watched something amazing happen. Even while we were talking and playing about a topic that usually scares him, he stayed calm and was able to say reassuring things like, ‘If you’re inside a strong building, you’re safe.’ He was really thinking it through and comforting himself — all while feeling secure in the interaction with his therapist and myself. “
T.P. Parent
“I understand now how the regulation piece impacts his connection with others, and how this will enable him to develop true deep friendships with his peers, instead of the superficial relationships he’s had so far. I can’t wait to see how far Kyle will grow through Floortime!”
L.M. Parent

Accessing DIR/Floortime autism therapy

As hassle-free as it gets

DIR/Floortime therapy is evidence-based autism therapy covered by insurance. Getting services is quick and simple — we handle the heavy lifting.

Just a call

We'll explain what to expect and guide you through
the next steps.

Quick evaluations

We offer both virtual or in person — whatever works best for your family. Appointments are usually scheduled within days.

Covered by insurance

All NJ Medicaid plans and most commercial insurance cover Floortime therapy. We verify your benefits upfront so there are no surprises.

Start here

Stories of success

Based on real parent experiences with DIR/Floortime therapy

“His movement found meaning”

Noah was always on the move — spinning, pacing, drifting away. Connection felt fleeting. DIR/Floortime didn’t try to stop that. He kept moving, and his therapist supported his movement, using it to form a playful back-and-forth. By meeting Noah’s sensory needs, the therapist helped him stay longer and expand his interests and play.
Learn more

“Joy found its way in.”

Leo spent the school day working on skills. By the time he got home, he seemed exhausted and withdrawn. DIR brought something different into our afternoons — imagination, back-and-forth play, light moments. Home stopped feeling like another place Leo had to perform.
Learn more

“She let us into her play.”

When we first heard about DIR/Floortime, we honestly weren’t sure. After years of structured therapy, play didn’t sound like enough for Maya. What we noticed, though, was how she stayed longer. One day, she sat through a full game without leaving. Somewhere along the way, she allowed us into her play. That was new for us.
Learn more

Where DIR/Floortime
therapy fits into your life

At home

Sessions happen at home, in familiar surroundings where your child feels most comfortable. You can join in, watch, or step away—whatever feels right that day.

At school or daycare

Sessions happen at school, daycare, or after-school programs, blending seamlessly into your child’s regular day without disrupting their routine.

At our center

Some children benefit from a structured, supportive space outside the home. Our centers provide the right tools and guidance to help your child explore, connect, and grow.

Parent training

You’ll learn to read your child’s cues and respond in ways that build connection throughout the day, not just during sessions. Over time, these moments make a big difference.

See services

Starting is simple

01

One conversation

We start with a call to understand what you’re seeing and what you’re hoping for. We’ll explain DIR/Floortime clearly, answer your questions, and help check your insurance coverage.

02

An evaluation

We tailor the evaluation to your family, making it easy to fit into your day. We focus on how your child engages, communicates, and regulates — not on compliance or testing.

03

Therapy begins

Sessions start in the environment that makes sense for your child. Your supervising therapist adapts the therapy approach as your child grows and learns, making sure it meets their needs.

What parents say

“Being around other people doesn’t feel impossible anymore.”
“Now he tells me how he’s feeling — angry, sad, tired.”
“She still gets stuck sometimes, but now she wants us there with her."
“It taught us how to interact with our son in the way he wanted to interact with us.”

Every dream begins

with a small step.

Through connection and understanding, DIR brings your dream closer to reality. We’re here to walk alongside you and help your child succeed.

Start here