Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Floortime Method in Working With Children With Autism: A Review Study

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.32598/SJRM.15.2.3368

Abstract

Background and Aims Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. The DIR/Floortime intervention, a play-based approach, aims to enhance emotional and social functioning in autistic children. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of DIR/Floortime in children with high-functioning ASD.
Methods A systematic review following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines was conducted. Electronic databases (Science Direct, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Medline) were searched for studies published between 2007 and 2025 using relevant keywords. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental, and prospective observational designs that applied DIR/Floortime interventions to children with ASD and measured developmental, social, or cognitive outcomes.
Results Out of 40 initially identified studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria. The interventions, ranging from 3 to 18 months, included play-based Floortime therapy, parent training, and home-based programs. The evidence demonstrated significant improvements in social skills, reduced autism severity, enhanced parent-child interactions, and improved self-regulation in children. Methodological quality assessed by the PEDro scale varied, with 33% of studies rated as high quality.
Conclusion DIR/Floortime interventions show promising effectiveness in improving social-emotional functioning in children with high-functioning ASD. Further high-quality RCTs with larger samples and long-term follow-up are warranted to strengthen existing evidence.

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 2
May and June 2026
Pages 184-197

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 03 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 December 2025
  • First Publish Date: 30 December 2025

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