Telephone: 01304 821526
Attention AutismTM is an intervention model designed by Gins Davies, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. It aims to develop natural and spontaneous communciation through the use of visually based and highly motivating activities. Gina's primary objective is that the sessions are fun and "offer and irrestible invitation to learn"!
To engage attention
To improve joint attention
To develop shared enjoyment in group activities
To increase attention in adult-led activities
To encourage spontaneous interaction in a natural group setting
To increase non-verbal and verbal communication through commenting
To build a wealth and depth of vocabulary
To have fun!
The Attention AutismTM 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. We start with Stage 1 and gradually progress to the next stages once the child is ready.
A bucket is filled with visually engaging toys, aiming to teach childesn how to focus their attention. The lead adult presents a toy to the group and uses simple vocabulary to make comments on the objects.
Highly appealing and visually stimulating practical activities are presented to the group by the lead adult. This stage aims to sustain the attention and concentration for a longer period.
A simple engaging activity is demonstrated by the lead adult who then invites some children to have a turn. Children learn how to shift their attention to their own individual participation adn then back to the group. They also learn essential skills of sharing, understanding missing a turn, turn-taking and waiting.
The lead 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 adn lastly return attention to the group to show their completed task. Children learn how to transition from one place to another and also build their independence skills following instructions.