Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS DIRFloortime?
DIRFloortime® (Floortime) is the application of the DIR® model into practice.
While the DIR® model helps us understand and promote the positive development of all children, DIR and DIRFloortime are most commonly utilized with children with educational, social-emotional, mental health, and/or developmental challenges. DIRFloortime has become most widely known as an approach to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). You can read more about DIR and ASD in many books including "Engaging Autism" and "The Child with Special Needs" by Drs. Greenspan and Wieder.
The objectives of the DIR® Model are to build healthy foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing exclusively on skills and isolated behaviors.
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The “D” describes development from the perspective of the individual, where they are and where they are headed. Understanding the unique developmental process means allowing space for each person to be respected and guided in their own personal developmental journey.
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The "I" describes the unique ways each person takes in, regulates, responds to, and comprehends the world around them.
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The “R” describes how relationships fuel our development. Humans are social beings and relationships are a key to our development. DIR harnesses the key affective (emotional) aspect of these relationships to promote development.
Understanding DIR can help us promote healthy development in everyone, but it is especially powerful in helping children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental or emotional challenges.
WHAT IS EIDBI?
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) is a Minnesota healthcare program helping children with Autism and related conditions succeed and actively participate in school and the community through an approved therapy modality (DIRFloortime), parent/family education, teaching independent living skills, and providing medically necessary behavioral therapy to help children overcome deficits.
WHAT IS A CMDE?
A Comprehensive Multi-Dispensary Evaluation (CMDE) is completed by a licensed clinician to determine an individual’s eligibility for EIDBI services and help to develop an ITP. To complete a CMDE, an individual’s medical history, developmental history, family history, and current needs are assessed through observations, interviews with family, childcare providers, teachers, other providers (such as OT/PT), and anyone else in the child’s life who may offer insight into the child’s condition. A CMDE is similar to a diagnostic assessment, in that it allows us to identify where the individual is struggling and develop a plan to work with them in order to improve those deficits.
WHAT IS AN ITP?
An Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) is a document created using the information gathered during the CMDE which outlines the goals for each child and the manner in which those goals will be worked on using Floortime An ITP is updated every six months in order to track a child’s progress and to allow the provider and family to adjust and build upon the goals.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Children who have health insurance through Minnesota Medical Assistance may be eligible to receive EIDBI services at no cost to them.