Work Type
Poster
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of both Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have increased substantially over the past decade.8With increasing number of children diagnosed, the number of services needed also increases. However, 6.2% of children in Iowa with an ASD diagnosis have unmet health care needs.
Impairments in neurodivergent individuals may vary, including impairments in communication, social reciprocity, sensory processing and integration, behaviors, coordination, and motor performance.
A common approach to address these impairments is behavioral interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA),6which is highly controversial due to prioritizing compliance and normalization over individualism.
A shift to neuroaffirming, child-led approaches such as Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based (DIR) Floortime are increasingly emphasized for neurodivergent individuals.
Identified Need: Kids Lead is the only Floortime specific occupational therapy clinic in the Des Moines Metro, leading to a high demand for services.
Research states that the DIR/Floortime model requires 15 or more hours of parent/therapist intervention per week.4With difficulties accessing services, group interventions at a higher frequency, such as a DIR/Floortime-based summer camp could help to bridge the gap for accessing alternative services to ABA.
Publication Date
5-17-2026
Citation Information
Brosius, Catherine, "Developing a Floortime-Based Summer Camp for Neurodivergent Children" (2026). Student Works Occupational Therapy Capstones. 9.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/stu_ot/9
