{"url":"/cheviot-hills/joyful-development","provider":{"id":"joyful-development","name":"Joyful Development","kind":"organization","about":"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.","website":"https://joyful-development.com/","phone":"(310) 405-5110","email":"sophia@joyful-development.com","instagram":null,"founded":null,"credentials":["Westside Regional Center social recreation vendor"],"languages":[],"image":null},"location":{"id":"main","name":null,"street":"8925 Cattaraugus Ave","unit":null,"city":"cheviot-hills","zip":"90034","neighborhood":null,"coords":[-118.387712,34.034439],"precision":"exact"},"serviceArea":[],"programs":[{"id":"floortime","type":"health","name":"DIR/Floortime therapy","summary":"Relationship-based DIR/Floortime therapy for children with autism and other developmental differences, with early intervention and sensory play options, in West LA.","description":"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.","categories":["child-therapy","early-intervention","music-therapy"],"ages":{"min":0,"max":21},"format":"in-person","health":{"specialties":["DIR/Floortime","Early intervention","Sensory integration play","Music and movement therapy","Adaptive skills training","Safe and Sound Protocol"],"practitioners":["Sophia Dvorkina"]},"traits":{"specialNeeds":"focused","conditions":["autism","sensory-processing","anxiety-depression"],"groupSize":["one-on-one"],"feel":"A relationship-based, play-centered practice built around DIR/Floortime rather than ABA.","topics":["dir-floortime","early-intervention","sensory-play","parent-coaching","advocacy","iep-support","adaptive-skills","free-consultation","safe-and-sound-protocol"],"methods":["dir-floortime","sensory-integration"],"goals":["social","confidence","wellbeing","life-skills","independence"]}},{"id":"social-groups","type":"health","name":"Social groups and playdate facilitation","summary":"Guided social skills groups and facilitated playdates for children with autism and other developmental differences, in West LA.","description":"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.","categories":["social-skills"],"ages":{"min":0,"max":21},"format":"in-person","health":{"specialties":["Social skills groups","Playdate facilitation"],"practitioners":["Sophia Dvorkina"]},"traits":{"specialNeeds":"focused","conditions":["autism"],"goals":["social","confidence"],"feel":"Guided, semi-structured play and group sessions focused on peer connection.","topics":["dir-floortime","facilitated-playdates","west-la"]}}],"source":{"url":"https://joyful-development.com/","fetched":"2026-10-12"},"updated":"2026-10-12","checked":null,"closed":null,"sample":false}