DIR is a developmental model posits that children with deficits in relating and communicating, including those with autism, have restrictions in the stages of functional emotional development. By mastering emotional milestones that were missed in early development and are critical to learning, children can achieve social, emotional, intellectual growth and learn to relate, love, communicate and think logically and creatively. Treatment addresses mitigating surface symptoms and behaviors. The DIR Model was pioneered by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. “Floortime” is the primary treatment approach.