Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What is The Zigzag Flow?
The Zigzag Flow (TZF) is a relationship-based therapy model that supports children’s emotional, sensory, and developmental growth through attuned connection and playful engagement. Our approach integrates DIR/Floortime, Polyvagal Theory, and Flow Theory to help children build regulation, communication, and social-emotional skills.
What is Co-Flow?
Co-Flow is the heart of our program—it’s about being fully present and responsive in play. Rather than directing or controlling a child’s actions, we join their interests and create shared moments of curiosity and joy. These experiences help children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
What makes The Zigzag Flow different from other therapy programs?
We don’t focus on fixing behaviors. Instead, we focus on relationships—helping children and caregivers co-regulate, connect, and find joy together. Our interdisciplinary team blends occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health support through one integrated developmental model.
Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Care right for my family?
Children diagnosed with autism may experience challenges that impact their ability to learn and connect. Sometimes these challenges are rooted in biology or sensory processing; other times, they stem from differences in how a child perceives and interacts with the world.
Neurodiversity-affirming care recognizes that these differences are not flaws to be fixed, but variations to be understood and supported. Our role is to help each child feel safe, confident, and joyful in exploring the world — and to help caregivers understand how to see the world through their child’s eyes. With the right supports, every child can grow and thrive.
How Do I Get Started?
- Submit your insurance information for verification.
- Provide your child’s autism diagnosis report.
- Schedule assessment sessions with our Qualified Healthcare Provider.
- Complete intake paperwork.
- Review our evaluation findings and treatment plan recommendations.
- Collaborate to set meaningful goals and create a personalized schedule.
Our team will guide you through each step to ensure a smooth and supportive start.
Do You Take Insurance?
Our DIR Developmental and Relationship-Based Autism Services are covered through Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare, including Aetna, Horizon, Wellpoint, United Healthcare, and Fidelis.
If we are not in-network with your commercial insurance, we can provide a Superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Co-pays, deductibles, and other patient responsibilities are due at the time of service.
Where Can I Learn More About Autism Services Offered Through NJ FamilyCare?
You can review the NJ Department of Human Services Guide to Autism Services here:
DMAHS Guide to Autism Services (PDF)
What If I Want DIR and You Are Not In-Network with My Insurance Plan?
We can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
All services other than Autism Developmental Individual Relationship-Based (DIR) Interventions are considered out-of-network at this time.
How Do You Bill for School Services?
Parents are welcome to include school staff in any services provided, as part of your child’s comprehensive program.
If a school is interested in training or establishing a school-based DIR program, we would contract directly with the school. These services are billed separately and are not covered by healthcare insurance.
Do You Have Programs for Children (or Siblings) Without a Diagnosis?
Yes. We follow a three-tier model of care:
- Tier 1: Children with an autism diagnosis who qualify for insurance-covered services due to medical necessity.
- Tier 2: Children who may benefit from targeted skill-building, small groups, or developmental play sessions.
- Tier 3: Programs open to all children, families, and providers — such as open gym, guided play, or caregiver workshops.
Neurotypical siblings often enjoy and benefit from Tier 2 or Tier 3 activities alongside their brothers or sisters.
What is a Transdisciplinary Team?
The Zigzag Flow (TZF) Autism Team includes Occupational Therapists (OTs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Educators, Mental Health Providers, and Certified Child Development Specialists.
Rather than working in isolation, our team collaborates across disciplines to create a unified treatment plan — one that integrates regulation, communication, engagement, and learning within the child’s everyday relationships.
Therapy Process
Where are sessions held? (Clinic, school, home, or community)
Our therapist-led DRBI foundations sessions are typically virtual, though some may be in person depending on insurance coverage. The Synchrony Lab sessions take place in person at one of our clinic locations. Co-Flow sessions are designed to fit naturally into daily life and usually occur at home or in other familiar environments. School-based sessions must be contracted directly between TZF and your school district.
How often are sessions recommended?
This varies based on a child’s assessment, age, and regulation needs. Most children benefit from frequent Co-Flow sessions. Typical recommendations range from 6–20 hours per week during the first six months.
What training do your therapists have in DIR and neurodiversity-affirming care?
All therapists are fully licensed in their discipline. Our DIR providers engage in ongoing reflective practice, weekly team trainings, and mentorship from senior staff. There are several organizations that offer DIR/Floortime certification—such as Profectum, ICDL, Greenspan Floortime, and PlayProject—each with a slightly different focus but the same core framework. Working with a team trained across these perspectives strengthens collaboration and allows for specialization among our staff.
Do you provide reports or documentation for schools or medical teams?
We provide a comprehensive final assessment directly to your family. You’re welcome to share these documents with schools, doctors, or anyone else involved in your child’s care.
How do you measure progress?
We complete a formal re-assessment every six months and update your child’s treatment plan accordingly. Therapists also make real-time reflections and adjustments during sessions to meet your child’s evolving needs. These updates are clearly documented and shared with your child’s team to ensure everyone is aligned.
What happens after my child “graduates” from therapy?
When your child reaches their goals, we begin planning for discharge together. Growth isn’t always linear—children may need extra support at times of change or new challenges. We guide your family through these transitions, ensuring you feel confident to continue supporting your child’s progress at home. Parents are the most powerful influence in a child’s development, and our goal is to empower you to carry that forward.
Ready to Begin Your Child's Journey?
Every child's path to growth is unique. Let us help you understand your child's individual profile and create a support plan that celebrates their differences while organizing their development.