ABA Alternatives in Connecticut a DIR/Floortime® Approach

At Growing Through Play, we support children through DIR/Floortime® and pediatric occupational therapy focused on connection, emotional development, and meaningful play.

A promotional image for an alternative to ABA therapy in Connecticut, showing happy children and adults engaging in activities that support connection, communication, regulation, and growth.

Understanding ABA Therapy

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a structured, behavior-based therapy often used for children with autism and developmental differences.

ABA typically focuses on:

  • Skill repetition and drills

  • Reward-based learning systems

  • Adult-directed instruction

  • Breaking skills into measurable behaviors

While ABA can teach specific skills, many families feel it may be less focused on emotional connection, flexibility, and child-led engagement.

Colorful chalk drawing on a blackboard with the words "ABA" and "Applied behavior analysis" surrounded by doodles of a puzzle piece, a sun with a dollar sign, and a small chart.

What Is DIR/Floortime®?

A Developmental Alternative to ABA Therapy

The DIR/Floortime® model (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based) focuses on emotional connection, shared attention, and meaningful engagement through play.

At Growing Through Play, we use Floortime to support:

  • Emotional regulation

  • Social connection and engagement

  • Communication through natural interaction

  • Child-led play experiences

  • Caregiver-child relationships as the foundation for growth

Instead of directing behavior, we follow the child’s lead and build shared joy, connection, and communication from within relationships.

ABA vs Floortime: Key Differences

A comparison chart between Floortime therapy and ABA therapy. The left side shows a mother and child playing happily with toys, emphasizing connection, communication, and emotional growth. The right side depicts a psychologist and a child in a structured setting, focusing on behavior change through compliance. The infographic highlights that children need to feel connected for healthy development, regardless of the approach.

ABA Therapy‍ ‍

Adult-directed instruction‍ ‍Focus on behavior change ‍ ‍ Structured drills and repetition ‍ ‍External rewards for motivation ‍ ‍Skill acquisition first ‍ ‍Compliance-based goals ‍ ‍Session structured by therapist

DIR / Flooring Approach

Child - led interaction Focus on emotional development Intrinsic motivation through connection Relationship and regulation first Connection- based growth Sessions follow child's interests

Many families search for “ABA alternatives in CT” or “Floortime therapy near me” because they want a more:

  • Natural learning environment

  • Emotionally supportive approach

  • Child-led therapy model

  • Less rigid structure

  • Stronger parent involvement

  • Focus on connection, not compliance

Families often tell us they want their child to feel:

  • Understood

  • Emotionally safe

  • Motivated through joy and connection

Why Families Look for ABA Alternatives

A More Natural, Connected Approach to Development

A father and son smiling and playing arm wrestling on a colorful rug in a playroom.

Is Floortime a Good Fit for Your Child?

This approach may be a strong fit if your child:

  • Has an autism diagnosis or developmental delays

  • Struggles with emotional regulation or engagement

  • Has difficulty with transitions or flexibility

  • Benefits from play-based learning

  • Needs support building connection and communication

  • Responds best to warm, responsive caregiving interactions

    Serving Wallingford and Surrounding CT Communities

In-Home and Family-Centered Support

We provide DIR/Floortime® and OT services in:

  • Wallingford

  • North haven

  • Branford

  • Guilford

  • Madison

  • Cheshire and surrounding communities

An infographic about Floortime with steps for child development, featuring a photo of a woman and a young boy playing with toy dinosaurs, and smaller photos of children's toys. The infographic emphasizes connection, communication, and building development.