What Is The Attention Autism Therapy Framework?

Attention Autism is a fun and engaging approach designed to help children develop key skills like attention, communication, and social interaction. Originally developed by speech and language therapist Gina Davies, it’s especially helpful for children with autism and other communication needs.

Through exciting, structured activities, children learn to focus, take turns, watch and listen. All important stepping stones for developing language. It’s about capturing their attention in the moment and turning it into a powerful opportunity to connect and communicate.

Why We Use It In Speech And Language Therapy

Attention Autism is a brilliant way to build early communication skills in a fun and meaningful way. It’s packed with simple, repetitive language that helps children learn through engaging, hands on activities. The sessions are visual and predictable, which really supports children with autism in feeling comfortable and confident.

It’s also great for developing those all-important pre-language skills like attention, turn-taking, and social connection that lay the foundation for talking. Best of all, it’s flexible and fun, making it easy to adapt for different ages, abilities, and group sizes.

How it Works

The structured framework is delivered in stages (or “buckets” of attention), and each session has a predictable structure to make it easier for autistic children to understand and feel safe.

The Attention Grabber

A highly motivating and visually stimulating activity is presented (e.g., bubbles, spinning lights, shaving foam play) to capture attention.

The Attention Builder

A visually engaging activity that lasts a bit longer to encourage sustained attention. The therapist models excitement and vocabulary.

Turn-Taking & Shifting Attention

Young people are invited one at a time to participate in a fun, hands-on activity, helping them build skills in waiting, watching others, and participating.