What Is Floortime?:
Floortime is a well-regarded form of therapeutic play originated by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, a psychologist based in Maryland. Floortime has two great advantages. First, it can be implemented by a parent with minimal training. And second -- it can be a whole lot of fun. As the parent of an autistic child, I know how tough it can be to remember that parenting can be fun!
Getting Started :
According to the theory behind Floortime, every back and forth interaction between you and your child (verbal or non-verbal) helps to build skills. Those interactions can be clinical, but they can also be a lot of fun. Think of them as ways to build family connections by cultivating your child’s emotional growth. If you can, get your spouse involved. Bring along friends and relations. Greenspan's book The Child with Special Needs is a great resource for getting underway.
Getting Past Your Fear of Silliness:
When you play with an autistic child, you can't expect your child to do all the work. Sometimes, you’re the leader -- and, sometimes, you’re the follower. You’re the noise maker, the silly one, the one with all the energy. If you really want to engage your child, you’ll probably have to make a fool of yourself—and enjoy it—for your child’s sake.
Catch a Wave:
If your child is under-responsive, as mine is, try going to the beach and standing in the surf. They’ll love the physical crash of the waves. Then—jump with the waves. Run from the waves. Jump into the waves. Ask your child “should we jump or stand still? Should we stand in the waves or on the beach?” Make sure he responds, even with gestures, as each and every wave comes in!
Splash:
Pools and even wading pools can offer a lot of the same physical fun as a beach, with splashing, dripping, kicking and ball play. Even an ordinary garden hose or sprinkler can get therapeutic play going. Should I turn on the hose? Turn it off? I'll squirt you! You squirt me! How about the tub? There are plenty of squirt toys out there -- not to mention splash balls, boats, tub paints and musical water toys. Every time you and your child interact, you're building skills.
Explore the Sand Box:
If there’s no beach handy (and your child can handle sand), try the sand box. Follow your child’s lead as he interacts with the sand. Bury interesting objects with varying textures to dig for and discover. Pretend to dig like a dog. Try using a seive or sand-wheel. If your child is verbal, ask him to guess what’s buried (by feeling it). Is it smooth like an egg? Bumpy like a golf ball? Then dig it up together
Meet an Elephant:
If you’re feeling brave, try going to a zoo, aquarium, or natural history museum. Observe your child to see which critters intrigue him. Ask him to show you what the animal does. Then (here’s the brave part) be that animal—together! Flick your tongues like a snake. Pretend to dig like a praire dog. Roar like lions!
Just Plain Parenting:
It takes practice to ignore the quizzical looks and stares of the folks around you. To remember that being silly and having fun together is what good parenting is all about. To let go of that overwhelming need to teach and lead your child—and to follow him. But that’s what parenting is really all about.
The journey isn’t always easy. But from time to time—and more and more often as your child progresses—it can be a lot of fun.
