Speech-language therapy and occupational therapy
DIRFloortime
Calley Mitchell is additionally certified in DIRFloortime: Promoting Basic Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities. Calley uses these principles in her approach with all children believing that using a child's developmental level, individual differences and the therapist-child-family relationship is the most effective way to aid in a child's development of communication skills/ This technique has rigorous evidence that supports its use.
From ICDL, https://www.icdl.com/dir/floortime
"What is Floortime?
Floortime (also known as DIRFloortime) is an intervention that is used to promote an individual's development through a respectful, playful, joyful, and engaging process. It uses the power of relationships and human connections to promote engagement, communication, positive behaviors, and thinking. It is based on the DIR® model that was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and his colleagues. It is used around the world by teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, mental health professionals, parents, and many others that care for individuals with developmental challenges or other related needs. It is an evidence-based approach to promoting human development that is used with children, young adults, and even adults...."
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Floortime All the Time Everywhere
"Floortime can be done anywhere in the house, in the backyard, in the supermarket and at the playground. It can be done with other children (siblings or peers) or just with an adult. It can be done at any time of the day, after supper, in the bathtub, or cuddling in bed. It can be done in the car, or when doing laundry, washing the dishes, all the time, everywhere... The key requirement is that both you, and your child, enjoy these moments."
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"Following the Child's Lead and Challenging the Child at the Same Time
The DIRFloortime approach is based on the fact that EMOTION is critical to the growth of the mind and brain. Following the child's lead means following their emotions. What is of interest to your child? What gives them pleasure? Whatever it is, your child's interest is your clue, your window into what they are feeling. The first step is for you to observe closely so that you can tune into their emotional world. Once you have figured out what their interested in, you can use that to draw them further up the developmental ladder. Following your child's lead by understanding their interests tells you the best way to challenge them to move up the developmental ladder."
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