The ability to initially attend to a task and then maintain
attention to complete it greatly improves the chances of
learning the task. Individuals who experience chronic and
intense difficulties with addressing and sustaining attention on
demand, persisting in tasks that are developmentally
appropriate, following rules, and concentrating tend to have
trouble improving their skills. They may perform a task once or
twice and then be ready to move on. Their lack of attention and
persistence often leads to immature skills. - Say the
participant’s name to gain attention before providing feedback
or giving directions. - Provide only one aspect of feedback at a
time and make it frequent and specific. - Stay near the
participant in order to ascertain changes in attention and on-
task behavior. - Provide advance notice of upcoming changes to
the routine or a switch from one task to another, as transitions
from activity to activity may be difficult. - Plan activities
that deemphasize competition. - Plan for additional