The American philosopher and neuroscientist, Sam Harris, once said, “In the age of distraction, attention is our greatest asset.”
As a parent, you understand the importance of paying attention to your child, but getting them to pay attention can be an entirely different challenge. This is especially true if you’re the parent of a child or teen with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Research shows that a significant number of autistic people also struggle with attention problems, most often presenting as ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Studies indicate that between 50%-70% of people on the spectrum also have ADHD.
So, how do you help your autistic child focus, and how can Heartlinks ABA help? The answer is more straightforward than you’d think. Keep reading to explore why children on the spectrum often find it difficult to pay attention, what signs to watch for, and how you and your child’s certified therapist can work together to improve focus and engagement.
What does it mean to pay attention?
To pay attention means to intentionally focus your awareness on something or someone. It’s the mental act of directing your thoughts, senses, and energy towards a specific person, task, or environment.
Simply put, it’s like saying to your brain: “This is important, so don’t miss it.”
Paying attention often involves filtering out distractions, including background noise, staying mentally present rather than daydreaming, and actively processing what you’re noticing, whether it’s sound, a conversation, a visual cue, or a set of instructions.
In children, particularly those with autism with short attention, paying attention might require extra support because their brains process sensory input, distractions, and internal thoughts differently.
Why do autistic children have difficulty maintaining a longer attention span?
The exact reason why adults and children on the spectrum find it challenging to pay attention is still not completely understood. However, researchers believe that it may be due to differences in brain structure and function.
Every human brain can process information, a process known as executive functioning. It includes abilities such as organizing, planning, preventing inappropriate responses, and paying attention. Many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty with executive functioning, such as an inability to plan, sequence information, stay organized, and pay attention. For a child on the spectrum, their difficulty with attention may manifest as being unable to read a book, having trouble taking turns when playing with others, or even following instructions in class.
What skills and strategies can help autistic children improve their attention span?
Addressing attention spans in children with autism requires tailored, customized techniques that encourage engagement and focus. Understanding how to improve focus in autistic children and teens involves implementing strategies that cater to their sensory and cognitive needs.
Create a structured and predictable environment
Supporting an autistic child’s attention span and reducing their anxiety begins by establishing a structured and predictable environment. This includes establishing regular daily routines, which may consist of visual schedules or social stories to help establish a sense of order, thereby making it easier for children to anticipate what is to follow and stay focused. Other visual supports, such as pictures or icons, can further reinforce this predictability and serve as gentle reminders to guide an autistic child’s behavior and attention.
Provide Sensory Activities
Incorporating sensory-friendly focus techniques is also essential, particularly for children on the spectrum with sensory processing difficulties or sensory-seeking behavior such as hand flapping. This can involve sensory activities such as spinning, deep pressure input, or the use of sensory toys, all of which help regulate their nervous system and improve their attention. Additionally, providing a designated quiet space equipped with headphones or a weighted blanket for an autistic child enables him or her to have a safe space to retreat to when they need to rest or calm down, thereby fostering emotional regulation and maintaining focus.
Incorporate Behavior Interventions
Behavioral interventions, such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, can play a crucial role in helping autistic children focus by incorporating structured, evidence-based strategies tailored to each child’s needs.
One primary technique is positive reinforcement, where therapists systematically reward focused behavior, such as completing a task or following instructions, with praise, token economy for ABA, or preferred items to increase the likelihood of repetition.
A second approach is an ABA task analysis, a foundational therapy method that breaks down complex activities into smaller, teachable steps, thereby helping children stay focused by mastering one component at a time.
Shaping ABA therapy can be used to gradually guide a child toward a desired behavior by reinforcing successive approximations, making this approach especially effective for teaching new skills that demand sustained attention.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) can also be utilized, offering repeated, structured opportunities to practice focusing in short bursts. In contrast, Natural Environment Teaching in ABA applies these focus skills in real-life settings. All of these techniques are supported by consistent data collection and progress monitoring to ensure they remain practical and best suited to the child.
Include Physical Activity
Physical activity can be a powerful tool for improving the attention span in autism. Encouraging participation in fun activities for autistic kids such as swimming, running, or team sports can help them constructively channel their energy while also supporting their attention span. Organized physical activities automatically provide routine, structure, and clear goals, all of which have proven highly beneficial to children on the spectrum. In addition to enhancing focus, these group-based activities offer valuable opportunities to develop and practice essential social skills, such as turn-taking, cooperation, and communication, in a low-pressure environment. The importance of regular movement, especially outdoors, cannot be overstated. Not only does it support physical health, but it also helps regulate sensory input, improve cognitive functioning, and foster social development, making it a valuable addition to any focus-building routine.
Additional tips for improving attention span in autism
Creating an environment that supports focus in autistic children involves a range of approaches and techniques, including clear communication, thoughtful planning, and intentional engagement. Using precise and simply worded instructions and then checking for understanding helps ensure that the child knows exactly what is expected, thereby reducing confusion and promoting task completion.
Additionally, minimizing distractions in the environment, such as background noise or visual clutter, further supports sustained attention. Selecting activities that align with the child’s interests, including clear and achievable goals, can also add to their motivation and engagement. Incorporating mindfulness practices such as deep breathing or guided relaxation can improve attention and support emotional self-regulation, helping kids and teens on the spectrum remain calm and present during tasks.
Heartlinks: Improving the attention span of your autistic child
Improving the attention span of your autistic child doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right strategies—such as establishing predictable routines, incorporating sensory-friendly focus techniques, utilizing ABA-based behavioral interventions for autism, and promoting physical activity—you can begin to see meaningful improvements in their ability to engage, attend, and participate.
Every child is unique, and that’s why Heartlinks ABA offers personalized support tailored to your child’s strengths and challenges. Whether you’re just starting to notice attention span difficulties in your autistic child or already working with a therapist, our team is here to help you navigate the journey with expertise and compassion. Contact Heartlinks ABA today to learn how we can partner with you to help your child thrive.