We chose play from Affect Autism

In this episode, number 305, I interview DIR® Expert Training Leader and Occupational Therapist Maude Le Roux who has a DIR® clinic, A Total Approach, in Glen Mills, PA. She has her own online academy where she trains professionals and parents and recently launched a fabulous new Family Support Circle. She is an international trainer in many other modalities as well. We are discussing the importance of daily movement. Why should we move with our kids every day? How should we do the movements with interaction for sensory integration and motor planning?Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/02/06/movement/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

Every other week in 2026 so far, you've been hearing the audio only of one episode of the Floortime documentary We Chose Play. This time it’s Season 1, Episode 3, called, “How do we start?” that covers understanding the most important thing you can do to support your child and features Dr. Ira Glovinsky and Dr. Stuart Shanker. We Chose Play is a series documenting one family’s Floortime journey.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/30/wcp-s1e3/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This DIR® Dialogues panel explores the research base behind DIRFloortime®, highlighting both its strong, transdisciplinary foundations and the challenges of measuring developmental, relational change within traditional research models like randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The discussion emphasizes the need to rethink what counts as “evidence,” prioritize outcomes that reflect lived experience and long-term development, and expand research approaches to better support access, funding, and practice across ages and contexts.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/23/dir-research/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

To start off the year 2026, you'll hear the audio only of one episode of the Floortime documentary "We Chose Play " every other week! This time, it's Season 1, Episode 2, called, "What did we miss?" that covers how parents question themselves and why it's so important to avoid blame and features Dr. Kathy Platzman. You can learn more about the series at affectautism.com/play or become an Affect Autism member or DIR® Parent Network member to see the full video version of the series at the Support Us menu at affectautism.com. Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/16/wcp-s1e2/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode we are discussing what's happening with Autism in Canada and what has changed over the years with Seiun Thomas Henderson, an Autism and education specialist at Giant Steps  in Montreal who has been working in the field for over 35 years. He will be speaking at the upcoming  18th Annual Autism Conference called Building Brighter Futures: Celebrating Autistic Voices and Canadian Leadership in Autism in Edmonton later this month.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/09/inclusivity/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

As we embark on the new year, enjoy the audio version of my Floortime documentary series ⁠We Chose Play—a new episode every other week. ⁠We Chose Play is a series documenting my family’s Floortime journey. I hope that each episode will support your Floortime experience! First up is Season 1, Episode 1, called, "In the beginning…" that covers the necessary step we had to take after our son's Autism diagnosis to move forward. Link to the show notes for this episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/02/wcp-s1e1/ ⁠⁠Learn more about the Floortime documentary series, We Chose Play and how to see the video version here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/play/⁠Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content—including the video version of the We Chose Play⁠ Floortime documentary series—and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: https://affectautism.com/support/

On this episode, number 298, DIRFloortime® provider Stacy Duffy, a Special Educator in South Africa joins us to discuss her transformational journey as a teacher from control to connection through DIRFloortime®. Stacey is the mother of two boys who has devoted her career to bridging the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical people by raising awareness on both sides. She recently presented at the ICDL DIRFloortime® Conference on this topic, and I wanted to share her insights with my audience because I was truly struck by how deeply she captured the heart of what DIR is all about.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/19/transformation/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This edition of Parent Perspectives features returning guest, Michele Abraham-Montgomery, who specializes in Family Services, Autism Resources & Advocacy, Peer Family Coaching, Youth and Young Adult Programming, Peer Best Practices, Modeling Play Therapy Techniques and IEP Reviews and Preparations. Her and her Autistic son, Khylil, created Spectrum Success 911--a nonprofit organization connecting families with programming, community resources, and organizations of support. Chele shares her reflections on watching a new generation of siblings navigate Autism in ways that echo her own children’s early years.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/05/siblings/⁠Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

On this episode, number 296, we are discussing the culture of play, free play, and outdoor play in natural settings with autistic individuals with two guests in Montréal, Québec. Seiun Thomas Henderson is an Autism and education specialist who has been working in the field for over 35 years. He is currently the Director of Research and Innovation at Giant Steps Interdisciplinary Autism Centre in Montréal, where he leads initiatives that bridge research, practice, and community impact. Margaret Fraser is the co-founder and co-director of Metalude, a nonprofit dedicated to creating more child-friendly, inclusive cities.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/11/21/outdoor-play/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode, number 295, DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader Kerri Ciskowski joins us to discuss different parent play personas she sees in her clientele. Kerri has been an occupational therapist for 20 years. She does in-home support in central New Jersey through her service Therapy Keeper and now has a DIRFloortime® studio as well for families who are typically raising autistic kids.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/11/07/parent-play-personasConsider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode features Clare Kumar who encourages organizations to create "neurologically safe" spaces, cultures, and experiences where their guests can move forward with ease, or "keep calm and carry on." She offers engaging, interactive keynotes and advisory services. She is the host and creator of the Happy Space Podcast - where inclusion meets design.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/10/24/happy-space/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode features a new empowering podcast called The Affirming Village which focuses on creating more neuroaffirming spaces for neurodivergent and disabled learners--a topic that comes up regularly at ICDL's parent support meetings. Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC and Educator Lisa Baskin Wright talk about their personal experiences as neurodivergent mothers advocating for their children in ableist school settings, about their professional work in this area, the biases families face, and their new podcast that provides a neuroaffirming space to discuss these issues. Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/10/03/the-affirming-village/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode features Kelly Bron Johnson in Montreal and Anne Borden King in Toronto. Kelly is a non-binary, Autistic, and Hard of Hearing (HoH) self-advocate and founder of ⁠Completely Inclusive⁠, a social enterprise consultancy devoted to inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. Anne is the co-founder of ⁠Autistics for Autistics⁠, Canada's autistic self-advocacy organization, and the host of ⁠Noncompliant: A Neurodiversity Podcast⁠. Both guests are mothers of autistic teenage sons and authors. We are chatting about their journey and Canadian disability advocacy.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/09/26/action/⁠Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode I'm airing a year-old presentation made by the late, great DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader and phenomenal educator, Kasheena Holder. I hope you will enjoy the tips she provided our DIR® Parent Network with regarding bridging the gap between home and school. For those who knew Kasheena, this will be a wonderful reminder of her warmth, wisdom, and dedication to families. And for those hearing her for the first time, it’s a chance to be inspired by the passion and insight she so generously shared.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: https://affectautism.com/2025/09/26/school/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

Thank you, Floortimers, for the years of learning! This episode, number 290, the first episode of Season 11, features Sophia Ashman, a DIR practitioner in Los Angeles, California who currently works in preschools and provides in-home therapy. She has been a Floortimer for 25 years and was one of my son's first therapists at his school which is how we met, but we quickly became friends and I miss her tremendously and want her to move back to Canada! The philosophy that she strongly believes in is that the children she works with need to be seen, be heard, and feel understood. Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: https://affectautism.com/2025/09/19/essential-floortime/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

Carolina Sosa Carrero es educadora en música, movimiento y lenguaje, con una maestría en intervención temprana y desarrollo infantil. ¡Es la primera Líder de Capacitación Experta en DIRFloortime® en Ecuador! Gaby Cabezas tiene un título en Comunicación y Literatura, además de una maestría en Lengua Inglesa. Actualmente trabaja como profesora de inglés y escribe ciencia ficción. Caro y Gaby son ambas neurodivergentes y muy entusiastas del DIRFloortime®. ¡Su objetivo es difundir DIR® al mundo hispanohablante a través del trabajo de Caro y de su nuevo pódcast, Ecos Neurodivergentes!Enlace a la publicación completa del blog, con vínculos a los puntos clave de la conversación y otras maneras de ver o escuchar el pódcast aquí: https://affectautism.com/2025/09/12/ecuador-es/Cuidadores: Consideren unirse a nuestra Red de Padres DIR® para recibir apoyo de una comunidad de Floortimers con intereses afines aquí: https://www.icdl.com/parents

Carolina Sosa Carrero is an educator in music, movement, and language with a Master’s degree in early intervention and child development. She is the first DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader in Ecuador! Gaby Cabezas has a Communications and Literature degree with a Master’s in English Language. She is currently working as an English teacher and writes science fiction. Caro and Gaby are both neurodivergent and very enthusiastic about DIRFloortime®! Their goal is to spread DIR® to the Spanish-speaking world through Caro’s work and their new podcast, Ecos Neurodivergentes!Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: https://affectautism.com/2025/09/12/ecuador/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

Dr. Angel Belle Dy is a DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader in the Phillippines who started The Growing Brain PH, a DIR® accredited clinic that began as a social media page. She is a medical doctor who has a background in public health, community-based programs, and program development and fell into the world of infant mental health and parent coaching through finding Floortime. She teaches both online and on site courses for the International Council on Development and Learning.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: https://affectautism.com/2025/08/29/medical/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This marks the first edition of Autistic Moms Chatting from Affect Autism. This episode features two autistic mothers and autistic advocates living in the United Kingdom. Autistic Moms Chatting is an addition to the usual podcast episodes.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/08/26/creating-community/

This marks the fifth edition of DIR® Dialogues from Affect Autism. This episode features Practitioner Panels–this one featuring five Speech-Language Pathologist DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leaders exploring Gestalt Language Processing. DIR® Dialogues is an addition to the usual podcast episodes.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: https://affectautism.com/2025/08/15/dialogues-5/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/Thank you to Danish recording artists Тhe Foreign Resort for the intro/outro song permission.