ABA vs Floortime vs NDBI vs Non-ABA Therapies: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Autism Approaches

Confused about ABA, Floortime, NDBI, and non-ABA therapies? This friendly guide helps parents understand and compare autism interventions, so you can make the best choice for your child.

Why Choosing the Right Autism Therapy Can Feel Overwhelming

If you’re a parent exploring autism therapies, chances are your head is spinning with acronyms and opinions. One professional swears by ABA, another praises Floortime, someone else recommends NDBI, and your parent group mentions non-ABA therapies like OT or play therapy.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure. Every child is unique, and so are these approaches. This guide breaks down the differences so you can understand what each therapy actually means, how they work, and which might feel right for your family.

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the oldest and most researched therapies for children on the autism spectrum. At its core, ABA focuses on understanding and shaping behavior.

Every behavior has a reason (or “function”). By observing what triggers and reinforces certain behaviors, therapists help children build useful skills like communication, attention, and self-care and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning.

How ABA Works in Everyday Life

ABA is structured yet flexible. For instance, a therapist might help a child learn to request a snack by prompting and rewarding verbal attempts or gestures. Over time, the prompts fade, and independence grows.

Modern ABA isn’t just about drills at a table anymore; it often includes naturalistic learning at home, school, or play settings. Reinforcement might look like praise, playtime, or something the child loves.

Pros and Common Criticisms of ABA

Pros:

• Strong evidence base over decades.

• Helps with measurable skill gains (communication, daily living).

• Structured data-driven approach that tracks progress.

Criticisms:

• Some parents and autistic adults feel traditional ABA can be too compliance-focused.

• Emotional connection and autonomy may get less attention in older styles.

That said, many modern ABA programs are gentler and more child-led, especially those that integrate elements of developmental or play-based models.

What Is Floortime (DIR Model)?

Floortime, part of the DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) model, takes a very different approach.

Instead of focusing on changing behavior, Floortime emphasizes emotional connection, shared attention, and understanding the child’s world. The “therapy” often happens during play, where the parent or therapist follows the child’s lead.

How Floortime Focuses on Connection and Emotion

Imagine sitting on the floor with your child as they play with blocks. Instead of directing them, you join their play, comment, imitate, and expand their ideas.

This simple interaction helps build emotional reciprocity, social skills, and communication naturally. The goal isn’t compliance, it’s connection.

Floortime in Real Life: What Sessions Look Like

A Floortime session might include 20–30 minutes of play, where the adult uses warmth, curiosity, and shared joy to expand engagement. Parents are active participants, often coached by therapists to continue “floortime moments” throughout the day.

What Are NDBIs (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions)?

Think of NDBIs as a bridge between ABA and developmental approaches like Floortime.

These therapies use the science of behavior analysis but deliver it through natural play and daily routines. NDBIs are evidence-based and are often considered the “modern evolution” of ABA.

Key Examples: ESDM, JASPER, PRT, and More

ESDM (Early Start Denver Model): Combines play, joint attention, and behavior principles for toddlers.

PRT (Pivotal Response Training): Focuses on motivation and key developmental “pivot points.”

JASPER: Helps build social play and joint attention.

These models aim for skill development that feels joyful and natural, not forced.

Why NDBIs Are Gaining Popularity

Parents love that NDBIs feel less clinical and more relational, yet still data-driven. They involve parents closely, happen in natural settings, and have a strong research base showing improvements in communication, social skills, and engagement.

What Are Non-ABA Therapies?

The term “non-ABA therapies” usually refers to supports that don’t use behavior modification as their foundation. These can include:

• Speech therapy (SLP)

• Occupational therapy (OT)

• Sensory integration therapy

• Play therapy or music therapy

• Social skills groups

Therapies That Support Without Behavior Modification

These approaches work on underlying developmental areas, like motor planning, sensory regulation, or emotional expression, without relying on rewards or data charts.

For example, an OT might help a child learn to tolerate textures or improve balance, while a music therapist might use rhythm to encourage communication.

When Parents Prefer Non-ABA Approaches

Some parents feel non-ABA methods align better with their family values or their child’s personality. They may prefer therapies that emphasize autonomy, sensory regulation, and natural social development rather than behavior compliance.

How Parents Can Choose the Right Approach for Their Child

There’s no one-size-fits-all therapy. What matters most is how your child responds, engages, and feels during the process.

Ask yourself:

• Does my child seem joyful and motivated?

• Is progress happening in meaningful areas (communication, connection, confidence)?

• Do I feel respected and involved as a parent?

Sometimes, families blend elements (e.g., ABA for learning new skills, Floortime for connection, OT for sensory needs, and so on).

It’s Not About Picking Sides. It’s About Fit

There’s a lot of debate online, but here’s the truth: You don’t have to pick one camp. You can combine what works, observe what doesn’t, and keep adjusting as your child grows.

FAQs: Real Questions Parents Ask About Autism Therapies

1. Is ABA the only evidence-based therapy for autism?

No. While ABA has the longest research history, models like NDBIs and DIR/Floortime also have growing evidence bases.

2. Can I combine ABA with Floortime or OT?

Absolutely. Many families find a blend works best, using ABA for structure and Floortime for connection.

3. How do I know if a therapy is ethical or child-centered?

Look for programs that prioritize your child’s comfort, consent, and joy in learning.

4. What if my child resists structured therapy?

That’s okay! Consider naturalistic or play-based models like NDBI or Floortime.

5. Are non-ABA therapies effective on their own?

Yes, especially when they target specific needs like speech, motor skills, or sensory regulation.

6. What’s the best therapy for young children just diagnosed with autism?

There’s no universal answer. Early intervention is key, but focus on engagement, communication, and play first.

7. How many hours of therapy does my child need?

It depends on your child’s age, developmental level, and therapy type. 

ABA programs often range from 10–40 hours per week, especially in early intensive models.

Floortime and NDBIs are often less rigid—think daily short sessions integrated into play or 5–15 hours of guided practice per week.

Speech, OT, or other therapies are typically 1–3 sessions per week.

Quality and consistency matter more than a strict hour count

8. Are these therapies home-based or center-based?

Both options exist. 

• Home-based therapy works well for natural learning and family participation.

• Center-based settings provide structure, peers, and specialized equipment.

Some families combine the two for flexibility and balance.

9. Which therapies are covered by insurance with an autism diagnosis?

Coverage varies by state and insurance plan, but typically:

ABA is covered by most U.S. insurance plans with an autism diagnosis.

Speech therapy, OT, and some NDBI programs are often covered under developmental or medical necessity criteria.

Floortime and other non-ABA approaches may be partially covered if delivered by a licensed provider (e.g., psychologist, SLP, or OT).

Always confirm with your insurance provider and request a letter of medical necessity from your child’s clinician.

Conclusion: Finding Balance Between Support and Connection

At the end of the day, every approach shares the same goal of helping your child thrive.

As a parent, you are your child’s best expert. Trust your instincts, stay open-minded, and choose what feels aligned with your child’s happiness and growth. 

For balanced, evidence-based summaries with video examples of each therapy, visit Autism Navigator.