JRS Educational Therapy

Thursday, November 30, 2023 by Julie Stoner | ASD

Floortime: An Essential Alternative to ABA Therapy

In the world of interventions for children with developmental differences, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has long been a prominent and unquestioned player. As we advocate and demand alternative approaches, one method that stands out is Floortime—a child-centered, play-based intervention designed to foster connections and emotional growth. 

Let's chat about how the principles and practices of Floortime differ from ABA therapy. 

Understanding Floortime:

Floortime, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, diverges from the structured and ablest nature of ABA therapy. It places a strong emphasis on engaging children through interactive play on their own terms, prioritizing emotional development, and building relationships in a holistic manner.

Child-Centered Play:

Floortime's foundation lies in child-centered play, allowing the child to take the lead in activities. This approach respects individuality, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-expression.

Emphasis on Emotional Development:

Unlike ABA, which often centers on behavioral outcomes through manipulation and coercion, Floortime prioritizes emotional development. This focus acknowledges the critical role emotions play in a child's overall well-being and long-term success. 

Building Relationships:

Floortime actively involves caregivers, therapists, and family members in play interactions, emphasizing relationship-building. This contrasts with ABA, which typically prioritizes behavior modification over nurturing connections.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

Floortime's flexible nature allows for adaptation based on the child's responses and interests. This adaptability is in stark contrast to the structured, often one-size-fits-all approach of ABA. 

Enhancing Communication Skills:

Communication is a central focus of Floortime, cultivates and celebrates both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. This approach recognizes that effective communication is about meaningful interaction.

Individualized Approach:

Floortime celebrates the uniqueness of each child, offering a more individualized approach tailored to specific needs, strengths, and challenges. This stands in contrast to the standardized protocols often associated with ABA.

Promoting Self-Regulation:

Floortime places a strong emphasis on helping children develop self-regulation skills through guided play and interactions. This approach recognizes the importance of emotional regulation in overall development.

About ABA: 

While ABA therapy has been widely utilized there is NO evidence that ABA works – there is evidence that ABA causes long-term harm, even PTSD: 

According to a study with 460 respondents, nearly half of those who had been exposed to ABA met the diagnostic threshold for PTSD. Of that subgroup, nearly half were severely affected. Respondents of all ages who were exposed to ABA were 86 per cent more likely to meet the PTSD criteria than respondents who were not exposed to ABA.

The painful truth is colleges and universities still teach and research ABA. Clinicians, parent groups, and charities still recommend ABA as the “gold standard” of “autism therapy”. Neurodivergent children and adults still suffer irreversible harm. Critics vehemently voice concerns regarding ABA therapy, contending that its rigid focus on behavior modification may perilously overlook the crucial emotional and psychological well-being of the child. 

So what can you do? 

1. Listen to neuro-affirming research. Listen to Autistic people. Listen to ABA survivors.

2. Unlearn deficit based practices and ideologies.   

3. Speak up.

4. Walk out.

5. Do the opposite of what ABA teaches: Don’t comply.

Final Thoughts: 

As caregivers, educators, and therapists explore various options for supporting children with developmental challenges, it's essential to consider approaches that prioritize emotional well-being and foster genuine connections. Floortime offers a essential alternative to ABA therapy, emphasizing the importance of individualized, child-centered interactions. By choosing a more compassionate and holistic approach, we can pave the way for the comprehensive development of every child, acknowledging their uniqueness and supporting their emotional growth in tandem with behavioral progress.