Rethinking Autism Therapy mini-series Episode 1 on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network

PHOTO CREDIT: Autistic Culture Podcast Network

Rethinking Autism Therapy is a four-part mini-series for parents, caregivers, professionals, and Autistic individuals who want to learn about DIRFloortime®, a strength-based, developmental, relationship-driven approach to growth and connection.

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Episode 1 of the 4-part mini-series

What is DIRFloortime®?

What is DIRFloortime® and why do so many families and practitioners find it transformative? In this first episode of Rethinking Autism Therapy, Daria Brown is joined by DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader, licensed professional counsellor, and ADHD adult parent Mike Fields to explore the foundations of the DIR® model and the practice of Floortime. Together, they unpack the developmental, individual-differences, relationship-based principles that make DIRFloortime® unique, while challenging traditional compliance-based approaches to autism support.

Listeners will learn how Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s model grew from his observations of human development, why affect and relationships are central to learning and growth, and how curiosity about the “why” behind behaviour can help us better understand autistic and neurodivergent experiences. Daria and Mike discuss the functional emotional developmental capacities (FEDCs), the importance of co-regulation, intrinsic motivation, play, emotional connection, and how development unfolds differently for every individual.

Whether you are a parent, practitioner, educator, autistic adult, or simply curious about developmental approaches, this conversation offers an accessible introduction to DIRFloortime® as more than a therapy—it is a way of understanding human development, relationships, communication, and growth across the lifespan.

Learn more:

Mike Fields

The International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL)

Hosted by Daria Brown, each episode features a different co-host to explore what DIRFloortime® is, what it’s like to experience it, why it meets Autistic needs, and how to decide whether it’s the right approach for you.

Together, they share practical insights and tools for building meaningful connection and supporting social-emotional development in ways that honour each autistic individual.

Through conversations with practitioners, parents, and autistic voices, the series offers an accessible introduction to the DIRFloortime® framework while exploring the role of relationships, play, and connection in supporting autistic development.

Produced for the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.

🎧 Rethinking Autism Therapy is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

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Until next time, here’s to choosing play and experiencing joy every day!