This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of Integrated DIR/Floortime™ in improving functional emotional development and adaptive behavior in children aged 4-12 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving DIR/Floortime™ in addition to their ongoing standard therapies or a control group receiving standard therapies alone. Functional emotional development is assessed using the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS), while adaptive behavior is evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). The study aims to determine whether integrating DIR/Floortime™ leads to greater improvements in emotional, social, communication, and adaptive functioning compared with standard interventions alone.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affect emotional development, communication, and social interaction. Although conventional interventions target specific developmental domains, many children continue to experience challenges in functional emotional capacities and daily living skills. Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based (DIR)/Floortime™ is a relationship-based intervention that promotes emotional regulation, communication, social engagement, and higher-order thinking through child-led, developmentally appropriate interactions. This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating DIR/Floortime™ with standard therapeutic services. This study uses a parallel-group randomized controlled design. Eligible children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with ASD are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving DIR/Floortime™ plus standard therapies or a control group receiving standard therapies alone. Outcomes are measured before and after the intervention using the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). The findings are expected to contribute evidence regarding the effectiveness of DIR/Floortime™ in improving functional emotional development and adaptive behavior among children with ASD and IDD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
14
Participants received Integrated DIR/Floortime™ intervention for 10 weeks in addition to their ongoing standard therapies. The intervention focused on promoting functional emotional development, communication, social interaction, and adaptive functioning through child-led, relationship-based sessions conducted according to the DIR/Floortime™ model.
Participants continued to receive routine standard therapeutic services without the addition of DIR/Floortime™ during the 10-week study period.
SEND Therapy Center
Gujranwala, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Socialization Skills
Change in Socialization Skills measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (VABS-3), Socialization domain Growth Scale Values (GSVs). GSVs range from 10 to 197, with higher scores indicating better adaptive functioning.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Communication Skills
Change in Communication Skills measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (VABS-3), Communication domain Growth Scale Values (GSVs). GSVs range from 10 to 197, with higher scores indicating better adaptive functioning.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Daily Living Skills
Change in Daily Living Skills measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (VABS-3), Daily Living Skills domain Growth Scale Values (GSVs). GSVs range from 10 to 197, with higher scores indicating better adaptive functioning.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Functional Emotional Development
Change in functional emotional development measured using the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS). FEAS items are scored from 0 to 2, with higher scores indicating better functional emotional development. Symbolic, Sensory, and Examiner scores are assessed.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
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