Examining DIR/Floortime™ as a Treatment for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Research and Theory. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mercer, Jean
• Is Part Of: Research on social work practice. Volume 27:Number 5(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 625
• Page End: 635
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: autism -- child psychotherapy -- DIR/Floortime™ -- evidence-based treatment; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.3205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049731515583062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7315

Abstract

Purpose: To review and assess theory and research supporting DIR/Floortime™, a method proposed for treatment of young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Methods: Published materials describing the principles of DIR/Floortime™ were evaluated. Published outcome research articles were assessed for the adequacy of their design and implementation and the extent to which their conclusions were supported. Results: The theoretical basis of DIR/Floortime™ appears to be generally plausible. Of the 10 outcome research articles in print, all concluding that DIR™ effectively treated ASD, five provided a comparison group, or used a randomized design, or did both. These studies failed to equalize the duration and frequency of DIR™ and the comparison treatment. Conclusions: DIR™ can be considered by social work practitioners as a possibility for evidence-based practice (EBP), but not as an evidence-based treatment (EBT). Further outcome research needs to concentrate not only on randomized design but on other design issues.