At The Hummingbird Nest, we believe that connections come before anything else. High affect, which is an essential part of the DIR® Floortime approach, is one of the most effective strategies we use to create meaningful connections with our kids.

What Is “Affect”?

Affect in DIR® Floortime describes the emotional tone or character of a conversation. It's the emotion that underlies the words. It can be happy, ecstatic, relaxed, interested, startled, or even worried. Children react to the way we speak, not just what we say.

Emotion is conveyed through body language, energy, voice tone, and facial expressions. Children can better understand us, feel safe, and remain interested when they receive these emotional cues.

What Is High Affect?

Using rich emotional expression in interactions is known as high affect. It could look like this: playful movements and gestures, warm, animated vocal tones, or sincere expressions of interest or enthusiasm. Being loud or overwhelming is not the goal of high affect. It is about expressing yourself and being emotionally present in a way that encourages the child to connect. This emotional involvement is a crucial component of DIR® Floortime's approach to helping kids, particularly those with developmental challenges.

Why Is High Affect So Important?‍

      1. It Encourages Engagement

Emotional cues are frequently used by kids, especially those on the autism spectrum, to help them comprehend and engage in social situations. Through the use of high affect, a child gets drawn into and is captivated by the encounter. The interaction becomes more meaningful and uplifting when the caregiver is emotionally engaged and responsive.

      2. It Builds Emotional and Social Development

High-affect interactions teach kids how to identify feelings, recognize tone and facial expressions, react to the emotions of others, and communicate their own feelings. These are fundamental abilities for fostering connections with others and improving social awareness.

      3. It Creates a Safe Emotional Space

Children feel safe when adults interact with them with compassion, excitement, and positive emotional energy. The feelings of safety allow them to explore, take chances, and develop socially and emotionally.

At The Hummingbird Nest, we purposefully utilize high affect to create thoughtful, connected experiences that promote the growth of every child.

What Is Flat Affect?

On the other hand, very little emotional expression during interaction is referred to as flat affect. It could consist of a lack of interest or involvement, a monotone or dull voice, or little to no facial expression.

Even though flat affect isn't intentional or bad in itself, it can make it harder for kids to connect and stay interested, especially for those who rely on emotional cues.

Why Does Flat Affect Matter?

A constant flat affect could restrict opportunities for emotional reciprocity, while a lack of expressive cues can make engagement difficult for many children with developmental difficulties. Our objective during DIR® Floortime is to promote deep, emotionally connected interactions while reducing flat affect. We gradually work to increase a child's emotional expression and reciprocity if they show flat affect, allowing them to feel and express a greater variety of emotions in social situations.

The DIR® Model (Developmental, Individual, Relationship-Based), also called Floortime, is a method where caregivers follow a child’s natural interests, connect emotionally, and tailor interactions to the child’s unique sensory and developmental profile.

D = Development: Focuses on helping children grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively, not just hitting milestones.

I = Individual: Every child has unique ways of thinking, moving, and feeling; DIR adapts to them.

R = Relationship: Emotional connections with caregivers are key; relationships are how children learn and thrive.

FEDL

DIR uses Functional Emotional Developmental Levels (FEDLs), nine building blocks of emotional and cognitive growth. From learning to focus and connect with others to developing symbolic thinking and self-reflection, each level helps children reach their full potential.

For example:

      Level 1 (0-3 months): Babies learn to focus and share attention with caregivers.

      Level 3 (4-10 months): Infants start purposeful two-way communication through gestures, sounds, and expressions.

Sensory Integration and Affect

DIR also considers a child’s sensory profile: how they experience touch, movement, sound, and other sensations. Caregivers use playful, emotionally meaningful interactions to strengthen these connections and support learning.

By focusing on development, individuality, and relationships, the DIR/Floortime approach helps children grow in a way that’s joyful, meaningful, and tailored just for them.