Attention

Focusing on a task, staying with it, and shifting to something new when needed.

What Attention Means

Attention is the ability to focus on what matters, stay with it for a while, and move to something new when it is time. It looks different for every child, and it changes with how rested, interested, or comfortable they feel. Clear spaces, short tasks, and choices can all help.

How It Supports Daily Activities

  • Staying with a short routine such as brushing teeth.
  • Listening for a name or a direction in a noisy room.
  • Moving from play to getting ready to leave.

Three Starter Activities

Pick one that fits your child today. Offer choices, adjust as you go, and stop whenever your child wants a break.

Activity 1: Puzzle with a Visual Timer

Materials

  • A simple puzzle the child likes
  • A visual timer or sand timer
  • A quiet table

Simple steps

  1. Let the child choose a puzzle.
  2. Set the timer for a short time, such as two or three minutes.
  3. Work on the puzzle until the timer ends.
  4. Take a short break or choose a new puzzle.
  5. Talk about what the child noticed.

Easier version

Use a very short time, and a puzzle with large pieces.

Harder version

Lengthen the time a little, or use a puzzle with more pieces.

Activity 2: Listening Walk

Materials

  • A quiet indoor or outdoor route
  • A paper and marker to draw sounds (optional)

Simple steps

  1. Start a short walk together.
  2. Pause and listen for sounds, such as birds or cars.
  3. Say or draw what you each heard.
  4. Move on and listen again.
  5. Stop when the child is ready.

Easier version

Listen for one sound at a time in a quiet space.

Harder version

Listen in a busier place, or try to remember several sounds in order.

Activity 3: Spot the Change

Materials

  • Five or six small toys
  • A tray
  • A cloth to cover them

Simple steps

  1. Place the toys on the tray and look at them together.
  2. Cover the tray, and take one toy away.
  3. Uncover the tray and ask what changed.
  4. Switch roles so the child hides one for you.
  5. Add a new toy to change the game.

Easier version

Use three toys, and let the child look for a longer time.

Harder version

Use more toys, or change two things at once.

Practice Respectfully

  • Offer choices, such as which activity, which materials, or what comes first.
  • Take breaks anytime, and let your child end an activity.
  • Offer only the help your child accepts, and step back if they would rather try alone.
  • Never require eye contact or touch. Sitting beside your child and sharing attention on the same object counts as taking part.
  • Supervise any activity with small parts, and choose materials that suit your child's age.

Observing Participation

A few short notes after each try can show what is working. Keep them factual and kind.

  • Step attempted: Which part of the activity did your child try or complete?
  • Assistance needed: Did they do it on their own, or with a picture, a spoken reminder, a demonstration, or hands-on help they accepted?
  • Child's response: Did they seem curious, comfortable, or in need of a break? What did they choose?

For this skill: Notice what helps the child stay with a task, such as a quieter space, a timer, or a choice of activity.

Example note: "Tried the second step with a picture cue, took a break after two tries, asked to try again later."

Related Skills

← Back to All Skills Back to Activities

Written by Chinaedu Okwumabua, an occupational therapy assistant with more than 20 years of experience supporting children with autism and developmental delays.

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for an individualized occupational therapy evaluation, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different, so choose activities that suit your child, and adjust or stop whenever needed.