Attention Function

ATTENTION FUNCTION

1.     Remedial Activities

A.    Encourage the child to use a verbally self-monitored “STOP, LOOK and LISTEN” approach to tasks to reduce impulsivity.

1.     Prior to beginning an activity, have the child cue him/herself to “STOP, LOOK and LISTEN” or alternatively, “Slow down. Look before you leap.”

2.     Use a visual or auditory prompt [e.g. a STOP sign on a bookmark] to help a child remember

B.    Encourage the child’s self-monitoring skills by frequent review of performance and pattern of errors as immediately as possible after the completion of task [use self-checking materials].

C.    The above can be supplemented by the use of reward systems [e.g. stickers, added privileges, etc] but these must closely  follow in time the behavior being rewarded.

2.     Compensatory Strategies

A.    Seat the child near the teacher where optimal opportunity exists for capturing the child’s attention

B.    Before presenting instructions to the child, capture visual and auditory attention

C.    Check for child’s comprehension of task before beginning

D.    If child is distracted by environment, provide a carrel or quiet study area for independent activities to help filter out distractions.

E.     Incorporate brief, frequent breaks into sustained activities to help diminish effect of fatigability. Supplement with rewards for sustained performance

F.     Anticipate situations that aggravate attentional weaknesses and point these out to child in advance in a supportive fashion.

G.    Praise the child regularly. These children show more favorable response to positive reinforcement rather than negative.