Courtney St.Germain

A York University study found that autistic children who received DIR/Floortime therapy showed significantly reduced social anxiety, increased social enjoyment, and developed stronger emotional connections with their parents.

From a developmental perspective, the sense of self refers to a child’s emerging understanding of themselves as a distinct and continuous individual—separate from others—with their own thoughts, feelings, actions, and identity.

Play is not “just fun”—it is a critical driver of cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and self-regulatory development. It helps children integrate experiences, connect with others, and build the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.