What is DIRFloortime® ?

The DIR® Model

DIR® stands for Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship-Based. It is a model that helps us understand and support how each child grows and learns. All REConnections® DIR® Center providers utilize the DIR® framework in their practice.

  • Developmental: We meet children where they are in their social-emotional development and help them move forward step by step, rather than expecting them to meet age-based expectations.

  • Individual Differences: Every child experiences and processes the world in their own way. We consider and address sensory processing, communication styles, motor planning, emotional regulation, and more when creating each child’s plan.

  • Relationship-Based: Growth happens best through trusted relationships. We build safety and connection first so children feel secure enough to take risks, engage, and grow.

DIRFloortime® is not a set curriculum—it’s a way of seeing and supporting the whole child. It gives our team the foundation to create a personalized, compassionate, and truly supportive experience.

Floortime® Strategies

Floortime® is the real-time application of the DIR® model using play and relationship-based strategies that support social-emotional development.

At REConnections® DIR® Center, our providers leverage both Floortime® techniques and the specialized training of their field to help every child succeed. We empower parents and caregivers to implement Floortime® strategies in play and day-to-day interactions with their child in our DIR® Caregiver Coaching sessions.

REConnections® DIR® Center is the only accredited DIRFloortime® therapy center offering Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Music Therapy, DIR® Caregiver Coaching, and Tutoring services in the Tampa Bay area.

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Why we focus on development and not behavior

An Ethical & Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Alternative to ABA

Academic research and testimonials from autistic and disabled self-advocates have revealed the harmful effects of compliance-based therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s (ASAN) paper “For Whose Benefit” provides ethical principles that should guide services for members of the autistic and disabled community.

The DIRFloortime® model and REConnections DIR® Center holds these principles and are dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals’ capacities to lead self-determined lives. We build upon the child’s intrinsic motivation to grow into adults who are relationally connect, empathetic, and resilient.

What We Believe

  • Individualized Supports Lead to Success— The capacity for developmental growth is within every child. They are doing their best to solve their problems with the resources they have. Our role is to increase those resources and their ability to use them.

  • Every Child is Immeasurably Valuable— …no matter their differences. We honor their unique strengths, challenges, culture, and experiences while helping them achieve their goals. Every child deserves to have access to services that meet their individual needs.

  • Safe & Meaningful Relationships Fuel Development—Authentic interactions and tailored accommodations allow the child to find the regulation and resilience they need to reach new heights. 

  • Supporting the Family Supports the Child— Parents and caregivers are the most impactful contributors to a child’s social-emotional development. When caregivers are supported, they are empowered to support their child with confidence and the child thrives.

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Caregiver Testimonials

  • Brey K.

    Making the decision this past January to move our 6-year-old son, who has ASD and ADHD, from ABA therapy to DIRFloortime was incredibly scary and stressful. But deep down, we felt it was the right choice for him.

    Choosing REConnections DIR Center has been truly life changing for our family. I can’t say enough about the entire team, and especially Chandler. He has taken the time to genuinely understand not just our son, but our whole family and meeting us with openness, zero judgment, and complete authenticity.

    What stands out most is the level of care and intention he brings. There are no shortcuts or one-size-fits-all approaches, just thoughtful guidance and small, meaningful changes that have created an unbelievable impact on our daily lives.

    We are beyond grateful to have found this wonderful place with such wonderful people.

  • Nichole K.

    My son and I have been fortunate enough to have been receiving music therapy and DIR Caregiver Coaching through REConnections DIR Center for a year now and it has greatly impacted our lives. When we started our sessions my son struggled in many different areas, such as transitioning from one thing to the next and isolating himself from others during playtime. As a Mom it saddened me to see my child struggling so much at home and at school. I felt defeated and hopeless as a single parent for more reasons than one. I had told Chandler, our therapist, that a goal of mine would have to be to feel more connected to my son and how badly I wanted to help and understand him better.

    Our first few sessions went as I had expected with my son having a hard time transitioning, especially when it was time to leave. Chandler had great techniques that he displayed with helping my son transition and coaching me in the moment on how to help him as well. Over time, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly, I have grown to see how beautiful my son's personality truly is, and we finally can connect on a bigger and better level than we ever have before. It feels amazing to have my son include me in what he’s doing and genuinely want me there to participate, asking me questions, or simply cheering him on. Chandler has been so helpful by coaching me inside our session and outside our session when we do follow up phone calls and videos. He has given me techniques that I am able to use in the moment whether something great is happening and I am able to praise my son by showing him how happy I am or whether he’s struggling with something, and I am able to lend my calm to him now because of our therapy.

    Not only has my son come a long way since we started, but so have I. I have grown to be confident in what I am doing and teaching my son, and as a parent to a child with special needs. It can feel pretty lonely sometimes being a single parent and having all the weight on you to mold and shape this child who struggles more than the average kid. I am so grateful that we found REConnections DIR Center and to Chandler for always striving to do better and make things better between my son and I.

  • Nicole M.

    Finding the right place for your child can feel overwhelming, but this therapy center has truly been life-changing for our family. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed, supported, and understood.

    My daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, has made incredible progress since starting here. The therapists are not only highly skilled, but genuinely compassionate and patient. They take the time to understand her unique needs, celebrate her strengths, and gently guide her through challenges in a way that builds confidence and trust.

    We’ve seen growth in her communication, engagement, and overall happiness. Milestones we once worried might take years are now happening, and it’s all thanks to the consistent, individualized care she receives.

    What stands out most is how much they truly care—not just about progress on paper, but about my daughter as a whole person. They keep us involved every step of the way and provide guidance that we can use at home, making a real difference in our daily lives. We highly recommend Reconnections DIR Center to families who need compassionate, supportive care! 

Five Services Tailored to Your Child

Common Questions About the Therapy Services

  • Therapy goals are developed based on how your child communicates, regulates, and processes sensory input. Education goals are based on your child’s academic readiness and strengths.

  • Therapists, educators, and caregivers come together to determine areas for growth. When appropriate, the child is an active participant in their own goal setting.

  • Therapists work one-on-one with your child during weekly sessions and also support them with strategies, accommodations, and modifications needed for success and confidence.

  • Yes. Tutors use therapy-informed strategies during their sessions, including sensory breaks, AAC integration, movement-based learning, and more.

  • All children receive one-on-one sessions weekly. Group-based support is provided as needed.

More Questions? Visit Our FAQ Page

At REConnections DIR Center, we provide more than just therapy or tutoring alone. Our entire model is built around supporting neurodivergent children in a way that feels safe, individualized, and connected.

  • Every session is 1:1 with a licensed therapist or DIR®-certified tutor

  • Therapy and academic support are fully individualized to your child’s unique developmental profile

  • Collaboration is key — our therapists and tutors work together with families to ensure consistent progress

  • We use a neurodiversity-affirming philosophy, meaning we honor each child’s individuality and never expect them to mask or fit a mold

At REConnections DIR Center, your child receives focused, relationship-based support that builds real growth and confidence.

What Makes Our Therapy Center Different

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Related Services That Go Beyond Traditional Therapy

Speech Therapy + Occupational Therapy + Music Therapy

At REConnections DIR Center, therapy is the foundation of what we do. Every child receives one-on-one therapy sessions designed to support regulation, sensory processing, communication, and daily living skills.

Why our therapy matters:

  • Consistency: Your child works with the same therapists who know their profile and build trust over time.

  • Individualization: Every session is tailored to your child’s needs, strengths, and developmental stage.

  • Family Partnership: We collaborate with parents and caregivers to carry strategies into the home and community.

Child working on speech sound during speech therapy at special needs private school in Tampa Bay, FL

Our therapy team is highly trained in:

  • DIRFloortime®

  • Sensory integration and reflex integration

  • Speech Sound Disorders, including Childhood Apraxia of Speech, articulation and phonological disorders

  • Language-based learning disabilities

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

  • Play-based therapeutic models

  • Emotional regulation and social communication support

Therapy at REConnections isn’t just a service—it’s the heart of our center, and a key part of helping children and families thrive.

Begin the Conversation

ADOS-2 Assessment

The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a standardized, play-based assessment used to understand how a child communicates, engages, and interacts with others.

Through a series of structured activities, the clinician observes your child’s social communication, play, and patterns of interaction in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

At REConnections DIR Center, the ADOS-2 is used as part of a thoughtful, strengths-based process to gain deeper insight into your child’s developmental profile and guide next steps with clarity.

About REC DIR® Center’s Tutoring

Using the first three pillars of the DIR® Model, REC’s tutoring services will support your child in …

  • Regulation: Making sure the child’s energy matches the activity

  • Engagement: Ensuring the child is engaged with their educator and building a strong relationship

  • Communication/Connection: Allowing the child to demonstrate their knowledge in fun and creative ways

Your child’s educator may use their school’s curriculum or supplement it with their own materials to help your child achieve their optimal learning.

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REConnections DIR Center Intake Process

STEP ONE:

Start by reaching out to schedule a consultation.

STEP TWO:

Schedule an intake session for your child.

STEP THREE:

Our team will review and recommend a plan.

STEP FOUR:

You’ll receive a service recommendation

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Safety & Security

Your child’s safety is our top priority. Our space is thoughtfully designed to ensure client protection and give caregivers peace of mind.

Key safety features include:

  • Doorbell entry

  • Surveillance cameras in therapy rooms and the sensory gym

  • An open-door policy for caregiver observation at any time

  • All staff and volunteers must pass fingerprinting and Level 2 background checks

We welcome caregiver questions and concerns at any time, and we believe in full transparency when it comes to your child’s care and education.

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