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.

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🎯 What is Sustained Attention?

The ability to focus on one task for an age-appropriate duration without getting distracted.

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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

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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

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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

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Listening-Based Attention

Follow Instructions Game
• One-step → two-step commands

Story Listening
• Short stories with questions
• Use picture books

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Sensory Regulation to Improve Attention

(Use before attention tasks)
• Heavy work (pushing-pulling)
• Deep pressure
• Vestibular input (swinging, rocking)
• Breathing exercises

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