# Joyful Development

> Child therapy & counseling · Cheviot Hills. Joyful Development is a Los Angeles practice co-founded by Sophia Dvorkina, built around DIR/Floortime (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) as an alternative to traditional ABA. It offers DIR/Floortime therapy, social groups, playdate facilitation, sensory play classes, music and movement, adaptive skills training, the Safe and Sound Protocol, early intervention, and advocacy and consulting for families across California. A Westside Regional Center family resource list names it as a social recreation vendor.
- Ages: Up to age 21
- Price: ask the provider
- Address: 8925 Cattaraugus Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
- Website: https://joyful-development.com/
- Phone: (310) 405-5110
- Email: sophia@joyful-development.com
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/cheviot-hills/joyful-development

## DIR/Floortime therapy

Up to age 21

DIR/Floortime therapy that meets each child at their developmental stage and builds on strengths through relationships, rather than focusing on eliminating unusual behaviors as traditional ABA does. It supports children with autism and other developmental differences, aiming at social, emotional and cognitive milestones at the child's own pace, and helps families understand their child's cues and communication styles. Individual one-on-one sessions use personalized treatment plans, focused goals and progress tracking, and there is an early intervention offering. Related services include sensory play classes for sensory processing differences (activities such as brushing, swinging and deep pressure), music and movement therapy, adaptive life skills training, and the Safe and Sound Protocol listening program. The practice is at 8925 Cattaraugus Ave in Los Angeles and is listed as a Westside Regional Center social recreation vendor.

## Social groups and playdate facilitation

Up to age 21

Social skills groups where children practice peer interaction in a safe, supportive space, tailored to each child's individuality, plus playdate facilitation that offers semi-structured, guided play with skilled facilitators to build social abilities, peer relationships and self-assurance. Programs serve children with autism and other developmental differences, and the practice uses a DIR/Floortime, relationship-based approach. Sessions take place in West Los Angeles at 8925 Cattaraugus Ave. Joyful Development is named as a Westside Regional Center social recreation vendor.

Details from https://joyful-development.com/, checked October 12, 2026. Confirm prices and dates with the provider before signing up.