ABOUT SCHOOL LEARNING PARENTS COMMUNITY GOVERNORS NEWS & EVENTS TRANSITION FULL MENU INSPIRING INTERACTION 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 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! 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. about us At Pathfield we aim to provide for the individual educational needs of all our pupils through a person centred approach. We value our relationship with parents and carers and our partnership work with all other agencies. Working together we strive to provide a full range of specialist facilities and opportunities to encourage your child to reach their full potential. stay in touch 01271 342423 admin@pathfield.devon.sch.uk Pathfield School, Abbey Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1JU Copyright © 2021 Pathfield School cosmic ® safeguarding Pathfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils. We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support our pupils, their families and staff at school. quick links home about school learning parents & carers community news events contact