Dr. Stanley Greenspan
Dr. Stanley Greenspan was a child psychiatrist who identified emotional health and relationships as key drivers of behavior, thinking, and communication. He believed that children’s emotions are their primary language and that understanding these feelings can significantly improve their ability to communicate. In the 1970s, Dr. Greenspan emphasized the importance of interacting with children at their developmental and physical level, which enhances communication, interaction, and learning. To support children’s regulation, joint attention, and social problem-solving, he developed the Greenspan Floortime Approach®, which empowers parents to use fun and playful interactions to support their child’s development.
“Learning first occurs as a part of emotional interactions; it involves the split-second initiatives that children take as they try to engage other people, interact with them, communicate, and reason with them.”
Can Greenspan Floortime® help my child with autism?
Yes, The Greenspan Floortime Approach® supports the symptomology of autism spectrum disorder. Despite their diagnosis, this intervention can benefit any child with challenges in social-emotional development.
My child has meltdowns often, and we do not know how to help him. Can this approach support behaviors?
Yes! We will work together to understand your child’s sensory and emotional regulation and support them through co-regulated interactions that develop their long-term self-regulation. Greenspan Floortime® does not support isolated behaviors; instead, we want to determine what emotions and sensory challenges your child is experiencing. Then, we can figure out how to support their behaviors.
My child is not communicating. Is this a type of speech therapy?
Greenspan Floortime® is a multidisciplinary intervention, which means it can be used by various professionals such as speech and occupational therapists, mental health practitioners, and educators. The intervention strengthens communication by engaging the child in expressive non-verbal communication and motor planning.
“I am passionate about Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s work because I have witnessed its transformative impact on children with additional needs. Seeing children bloom through their natural joy of play is truly rewarding.”