Can you help with sensory differences if my child does not have an autism diagnosis?

Yes. Floortime is a developmental, relationship-based approach, so it supports any young child working on connection, communication, regulation, or play, whether or not they have a diagnosis. As a pediatric occupational therapist, Keri looks at sensory processing and regulation — how your child experiences the world, and what helps them feel calm and organized. Some children simply benefit from extra support in connection, play, and regulation.

Is DIR/Floortime® only for autistic children?

No. Floortime is a developmental, relationship-based approach, so it supports any young child working on connection, communication, regulation, or play — including children with developmental delays, sensory differences, and communication challenges, whether or not they have a diagnosis.

Sensory & regulation support

Sometimes a child wants to connect, but their nervous system is overwhelmed.

Pediatric occupational therapy for sensory processing and regulation, in your home, whether or not your child has a diagnosis.

Let’s Talk About Your Child Start With an Evaluation

Growing Through Play provides in-home pediatric occupational therapy for sensory processing and regulation across central Connecticut. As a pediatric OT, Keri looks at how sensory processing, regulation, motor development, play, and everyday activities affect your child’s ability to participate and connect.

Your child may not be saying “I’m overwhelmed.” But their body might be.

What you might be noticing

Certain sounds, textures, movements, clothing, foods, or everyday experiences seem especially difficult for your child.
Big emotions and difficulty with regulation.
You feel unsure what to do when your child becomes overwhelmed, upset, or has difficulty transitioning.
Getting dressed, eating, leaving the house, bedtime, or transitions feel harder than they should.
Your child is very sensitive, or highly sensory-seeking.
Frequent meltdowns, shutdowns, or difficulty calming.

Understanding sensory processing and regulation helps us understand whyparticipation may be difficult, not simply label the behavior as something that needs to stop.

Co-regulation comes before self-regulation

Before children can regulate their own emotions, they need support from calm, attuned adults. Over time, repeated co-regulation experiences help the brain develop the ability to self-regulate.

When connection comes first, communication, regulation, and learning naturally follow.

Read the research behind this

Keri-Lynn Yonika carrying a smiling young child on her back outdoors.

What a pediatric OT looks at

Sensory processing and regulation are one part of a whole-child picture. We may look at:

Sensory preferences and processing
Regulation and arousal
Motor planning and coordination
Play skills
Feeding and mealtime participation
Communication and engagement

It starts with a developmental evaluation.

In your home, in your routines

What we do together

Support regulation through co-regulation.
Turn everyday routines into opportunities for connection.
Support a difficult transition, and find ways to connect during mealtime.
Help you feel more confident when challenging moments arise.

Children learn best when they feel safe, understood, and connected.

Let’s Talk About Your Child How Caregiver Coaching Works

You don’t need a diagnosis to start

Floortime supports any young child working on connection, communication, regulation, or play, whether or not they have a diagnosis. Some children simply benefit from extra support.