DIR/Floor Time in Engaging Autism: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder, which affects various multiple areas of a child’s development. The objective of this study was to systematically review the available literature and appraise the effect of floortime in engaging autism disorder among children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Medline. The search terms used were DIR/floor time, ASD, floortime and autism, relationship therapy and autism, floortime, and ASDs. The studies, which described floortime in engaging children with ASD, full-text available in English, the sample had no comorbid psychiatric diagnosis, and the articles published in English from 2010 to 2020 were included in the review. Twelve studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. RESULTS: The results showed substantial progress in different levels of functioning of autistic children with floortime. Home-based floortime improved emotive functioning, communication, and daily living skills, the parent-child interactions were improved as expressed by mothers, and also certain demographic factors of the parents have significantly influenced the floortime outcome. There were no adverse events to children or parents during floortime. CONCLUSIONS: In general, we concluded that floortime is a cost-effective, completely child-led approach, which could be initiated as early as possible. If started early by healthcare professionals, it can be vital in improving social and emotional development among children.