The Attention Autism programme is widely used in schools, therapy settings and at home to support with a range of communication difficulties and differences, including autism.
At ISLTS we use Attention Autism as part of our speech and language play-based therapy sessions. The activities are designed to be fun and engaging – and be forewarned they can get very MESSY!
Attention Autism is an intervention programme developed by Gina Davies, a specialist speech and language therapist. It uses a series of fun, engaging and structured activities to captivate children’s attention and encourage them to participate in a shared experience.
This programme is popular because it respects the child’s pace, focuses on their interests, and creates a safe, enjoyable space for learning and growth.
Who Can Benefit from Attention Autism?
- Children who are autistic
- Children with attention difficulties, including children with ADHD
- Children with speech and language delays
- Children with social communication difficulties
Key Principles of Attention Autism
- Motivation and Engagement: The focus is on activities that are visually stimulating, exciting and meaningful to capture the child’s attention naturally. The idea is to inspire attention rather than demand it.
- Building Joint Attention: The program aims to enhance joint attention, which is the shared focus of two individuals on an object or activity, a skill often challenging for autistic children.
- Encouraging Communication: By creating a shared experience, children are motivated to communicate. This can involve gestures, eye contact, or vocalizations. You are ‘creating an irresistible reason to connect’.
- Gradual Skill Development: Attention Autism is structured in a way that gradually builds the child’s ability to attend, participate, and interact with others over time.
Structure of the Attention Autism Programme
The programme is divided into four stages, each with a specific focus:
- Stage 1: The Bucket to Focus Attention
- A bucket filled with exciting, sensory-rich items (e.g., shiny or noisy toys) is introduced. The therapist or teacher reveals these items one at a time, engaging the child with visual and auditory stimulation. The goal is to capture attention without demanding anything from the child.
- Stage 2: The Attention Builder
- The focus shifts to building sustained attention. The adult demonstrates a simple, visually engaging activity (like pouring water, popping bubbles, or spinning tops) for the child to observe. The child watches without needing to participate, which helps develop focus.
- Stage 3: The Interactive Game
- At this stage, children are encouraged to take turns and interact with the activity. The goal is to develop social skills, like waiting, sharing, and participating in a structured, supportive environment.
- Stage 4: Individual Activities
- This final stage encourages the child to complete an activity independently. It focuses on skills like following instructions, problem-solving, and developing confidence in their abilities.
Practical Example of Stage 1 – What’s in the Bucket?
A therapist might start with a colorful bucket containing several engaging items:
- First item: A spinning top that lights up when spun.
- Second item: A small wind-up toy that hops around.
- Third item: A balloon filled with glitter that swirls when shaken.
The adult takes each item out of the bucket one at a time, showcasing its features to the child. The child is encouraged to watch but isn’t required to interact, keeping the pressure low and the experience purely enjoyable.
Benefits of Attention Autism
- Adaptable for various needs: Can be customized for children at different developmental stages.
- Improves focus and concentration: Helps children extend their attention span.
- Enhances communication skills: Encourages verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Builds social interaction: Fosters skills like taking turns and engaging with others.
- Reduces anxiety: Uses predictable routines and familiar structures that can comfort autistic children.
Tips for Success with Attention Autism
- Be consistent: Regular sessions help reinforce skills.
- Use engaging materials: Choose items that are visually or audibly stimulating.
- Keep it fun: The goal is to create a positive, pressure-free learning experience.
- Gradually increase complexity: Move through the stages at the child’s pace, only advancing when they’re ready.
We actively encouarge families to participate in Attention Autism activities at home to suppport the work we carry out in sessions. If you’d like to be inspired read our blog on Attention Autism Activity Ideas.
