Which therapy approach is considered the "least restrictive" or most child-based?

The therapy approach identified as the "least restrictive" and most child-based is Floortime. Floortime emphasizes the importance of engaging with children at their level and promoting natural play to develop emotional and relational skills. This approach encourages therapists and caregivers to be responsive to the child's interests and needs, fostering a more organic and supportive learning environment. By focusing on the child's developmental levels and promoting interactions and connections through play, Floortime facilitates communication and social skills in a way that feels comfortable and engaging for the child.

This method stands out as particularly child-centered because it does not impose a predetermined structure or set of goals that the child must adhere to, which is often found in more structured therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis. Instead, Floortime allows for flexibility, assuring that the therapy is guided by the child's preferences and natural behaviors, thus creating a less stressful and more enjoyable learning experience.