Occupational therapy

Here are effective Sustained Attention Activities used in Occupational Therapy (OT). These are especially helpful for ASD, ADHD, developmental delay, learning difficulties, and sensory processing issues. ⸻ 🎯 What is Sustained Attention? The ability to focus on one task for an age-appropriate duration without getting distracted. ⸻ Table-Top Activities (Structured Focus) Puzzles (graded) • Start: 4–6 pieces • Progress to: 12–24 pieces • Goal: stay seated and complete task without leaving Sorting Tasks • Sort by color, shape, size • Use beads, buttons, blocks Peg Board -Bolt & Nut • Requires visual focus + fine motor control Matching Cards • Picture-to-picture • Object-to-picture ⸻ Fine Motor Based Attention Tasks Lacing -Threading • Beads, shoelaces, cards Sticker Activities • Peel and paste within boundary Coloring Within Lines • Begin with thick borders • Gradually reduce support ⸻ Play-Based Sustained Attention Building Blocks -LEGO • Copy a model • Follow step-by-step instructions Board Games (Short duration) • Turn-taking games • Memory cards Cause-and-Effect Toys • Press button → response • Encourage waiting and watching ⸻ Listening-Based Attention Follow Instructions Game • One-step → two-step commands Story Listening • Short stories with questions • Use picture books ⸻ Sensory Regulation to Improve Attention (Use before attention tasks) • Heavy work (pushing-pulling) • Deep pressure • Vestibular input (swinging, rocking) • Breathing exercises ⸻