Paying attention & following instructions
Quick guide to autism “What it looks like and how you can help”.
Children with autism may find it difficult to pay attention and follow instructions.
Some children may find it difficult to pay attention or follow instructions because they:
• May not understand how to respond to their name • May not understand what you have said • May forget what you have asked them to do • May only remember part of what you asked them to do
You can help children by:
• Getting their attention first • Approach from the front before you speak • Getting down to their level/in their line of view when you speak to them • Give one instruction at a time • Model what you want them to do • Give positive feedback when they respond • Using visual supports