Rethinking Autism Therapy mini-series Episode 3 of 4 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 3 of the 4-part mini-series

See Episode 1 here and Episode 2 here

How does DIRFloortime® meet autistic needs in a neurodiversity-affirming way?

In this third episode of the Rethinking Autism Therapy mini-series, Daria Brown is joined by autistic self-advocate, researcher, and ICDL Board President Dr. Emile Gouws to explore how the DIR® model aligns with autistic lived experience and why relationships, respect, and understanding are essential for meaningful development.

Drawing on his own experiences growing up as a nonspeaking autistic child, Emile shares the challenges of being viewed through a medical-model lens, the trauma of compliance-based interventions, and the profound impact of finally being seen, understood, and supported through a relationship-based approach. Together, Daria and Emile discuss how DIRFloortime® differs from approaches focused on normalization by emphasizing individual differences, emotional development, authentic communication, and connection.

The conversation highlights how autistic development may look different from neurotypical development, why practitioners must be mindful of ableist assumptions, and how play, co-regulation, and meaningful relationships create the conditions for growth.

They also explore the role of neurodiversity, self-advocacy, sensory differences, and the Double Empathy Problem in shaping a more affirming understanding of autism.

Learn more:

Dr. Emile Gouws

The International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL) Board of Directors

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!