Attention Autism

Attention Autism is an intervention model designed by Gina Davies, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist.

It aims to develop natural and spontaneous communication through the use of visually based and highly motivating activities.

Gina’s primary objective is that the sessions are fun and “offer an irresistible invitation to learn”!

 

Aims of Attention Autism

1. To engage attention
2. To improve joint attention
3. To develop shared enjoyment in group activities
4. To increase attention in adult-led activities
5. To encourage spontaneous interaction in a natural group setting
6. To increase non-verbal and verbal communication through commenting
7. To build a wealth and depth of vocabulary
8. To have fun!

 

Stages of Attention Autism

The Attention Autism programme progresses through a series of stages, building on each skill level. Each new stage is introduced when the child is ready to expand attention skills. Start with stage 1 and gradually progress to the next stages once the child is ready.

 

Stage 1: The Bucket to Focus Attention

photo credit: The Autism Page

A bucket is filled with visually engaging toys, aiming to teach children how to focus their attention. The adult leader presents a toy to the group and uses simple vocabulary to make comments on the objects.

 

Stage 2: The Attention Builder

photo credit: The Autism Page

Highly appealing and visually stimulating practical activities are presented to the group by the adult leader. This stage aims to sustain concentration and attention for a longer period.

 

Stage 3: The Interactive Game – Turn Taking and Shifting Attention

A simple engaging activity is demonstrated by the adult leader who then invites some children to have a turn. Children learn how to shift their attention to their own individual participation and then back to the group. They also learn essential skills of sharing, understanding missing a turn, turn-taking and waiting.

 

Stage 4: Individual activity – Focus, Shift and Re-engage Attention

The adult demonstrates a simple creative task and then gives each child an individual kit to copy. Children focus their attention in a group to watch a demonstration, then shift their attention to an individual activity and lastly return attention to the group to show their completed task. Children also build their independence skills and following instructions skills.

 

Here is our Attention Autism video. Please enlarge the video to watch it in full screen mode.