Attention difficulties

Types of Attention Difficulties

• Inattention: Difficulty focusing, easily distracted, forgetful, trouble organizing.
• Hyperactivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, excessive talking.
• Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting, difficulty waiting turns.

Presenting Barriers and Challenges

• Easily distracted during tasks or conversations.
• Difficulty listening or following instructions.
• Frequently forgets routines or tasks.
• Leaves tasks unfinished or forgets what they were doing.
• Fidgets, taps hands/feet, or moves around when expected to sit still.
• Talks loudly, interrupts, or struggles to wait their turn.

Examples of Provision and Strategies

Assessment and Observation

• Assess speech and language skills: Identify any language barriers contributing to listening and attention difficulties.
• Observe attention patterns: Note if the learner’s attention varies across different times of day, lesson types, or with different adults.

Environment and Sensory Considerations

• Conduct a sensory classroom audit: Identify and reduce visual and auditory distractions.
• Use flexible seating arrangements: Minimize distractions and position the learner near positive role models.
• Schedule movement or refocusing activities: Be mindful of challenging times (e.g., after lunch, end of day).

Instructional Strategies

• Use the learner’s name: Ensure they are attending when giving instructions.
• Provide visual prompts: Use "now-next" boards or visual timetables to help anticipate transitions.
• Use visual cues: For example, "make a deal" to clarify expectations.
• Provide visual scaffolds: Use diagrams or photos to support understanding.
• Explicitly teach and model active listening strategies.

Task Management and Time Awareness

• Use digital or visual timers: Help the learner understand how long they have for an activity.
• Provide task boards or job lists: Support task completion and focus; model checking off tasks as they are completed.
• Use limited choices: Support engagement and reduce cognitive overload.

Motivation and Engagement

• Consult with the learner: Understand what helps them focus.
• Incorporate the learner’s interests: Increase motivation and engagement.
• Use positive reminders or scripts: Reinforce expectations and redirect attention.

Movement and Focus Breaks

• Implement regular movement breaks: Help the learner switch focus (e.g., handing out books, tidying, relaying notes).
• Use timers: Encourage focused work periods that are comfortable and manageable.