The Effectiveness of the Floortime Method on Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Theory of Mind, and Social Skills in Children with High-Functioning Autism
Keywords:
Floortime; DIR model; sensory processing; theory of mind; social skills; high-functioning autismAbstract
This study examined the effectiveness of the Floortime method on sensory processing sensitivity, theory of mind, and social skills in children with high-functioning autism. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group was used. The statistical population consisted of children with high-functioning autism who attended autism rehabilitation centers in District 5 of Tehran in spring 2025. Thirty-six children were selected by convenience sampling and then allocated to experimental and control groups, with 18 participants in each group. Data were collected using the Sensory Profile School Companion, the Theory of Mind Test, and the Autism Social Skills Profile. The experimental group received twelve 75-minute Floortime sessions over six weeks, whereas the control group received no Floortime intervention during the study period. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance and analysis of covariance in SPSS version 23. After controlling for pretest scores, the Floortime method significantly increased sensory registration, theory of mind, and social skills and significantly decreased sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding. The intervention did not produce a statistically significant change in sensory seeking. The findings suggest that Floortime can support sensory regulation, social-cognitive understanding, and adaptive social behavior in children with high-functioning autism when implemented in a structured and developmentally responsive format.
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