How can we use Floor Time effectively with a child who “self-stims”or perseverates in play?
Greenspan emphasizes that a child’s actions should be treated as intentional and symbolic. In other words, we as adults must help give them meaning. For example, if a child repeatedly rolls a toy car back and forth with no seeming destination, bring over a toy garage, or set up a roadway, or crash another car into it, etc. If a child repeatedly taps, bring over a couple of drums or drum-like items. If a child repeatedly flips a light switch on and off, create an “obstruction” by putting your hand over the switch. If a child holds and carries around the same little figurine for long periods of time, start talking directly to the figure. Ask it if it wants to swing or eat, etc.
