Attention: It is the ability to focus or concentrate on one specific thing while ignoring other distractions in the surroundings.
(Figure 1)

Types of Attention
⦁ Sustained Attention: Staying focused on one thing for a long time.
⦁ Divided Attention: Trying to focus on more than one thing at the same time.
⦁ Alternating Attention: Switching your focus back and forth between tasks.
⦁ Selective Attention: Paying attention to one thing and ignoring everything else.
Sitting Tolerance: It is the ability to sit still and remain focused on a task or activity for an appropriate amount of time.
(Figure 2)

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Attention & Sitting Tolerance Milestones
⦁ 0–6 months: Briefly watches faces and movement; turns toward sounds.
⦁ 6–12 months: Focuses on a toy for 1–2 minutes; enjoys short games like peekaboo.
⦁ 12–24 months: Follows simple instructions; attention span ~4–6 minutes; sits briefly for simple stories.
⦁ 2–3 years: Can follow 2-step directions; sits for 5–10 minutes with support; enjoys short routines and rhymes.
⦁ 3–4 years: Sits independently for 10–15 minutes; begins taking turns and following group rules.
⦁ 4–5 years: Sits for 15–20+ minutes; participates in structured activities, controls impulses better.
Complaints Parents May Have
⦁ “My child gets distracted by everything!”
⦁ “They won’t sit in one place!”
⦁ “They don’t listen to me!”
⦁ “They copy stuff but don’t understand it”
⦁ “They throw tantrums when I ask them to do something”
(Figure 3)

Disorders
⦁ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
⦁ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
⦁ Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
⦁ Conduct Disorder
⦁ Intellectual Disability (ID)
⦁ Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
⦁ Anxiety Disorders
⦁ Depression
⦁ Language Disorders
⦁ Learning Disabilities
⦁ They may struggle to focus or stay seated.
⦁ This might be due to sensory overload, low energy, difficulty understanding, or feeling anxious or unsafe.
(Figure 4)

(Figure 5)

Tips to Improve Attention
⦁ Keep it Fun & Goal-Oriented
⦁ Give Simple Instructions
⦁ Break Tasks into Chunks
⦁ Movement Breaks
⦁ Catch & Celebrate Success
⦁ Mindful Activities
⦁ Healthy Habits
(Figure 6)

Tips to Improve Sitting Tolerance
⦁ Set a Consistent Space
⦁ Start Small, Build Gradually
⦁ Add Fidget or Sensory Tools
⦁ Timers & Clear Goals
⦁ Use Visual/Verbal Cues
⦁ Praise Specific Behaviours
⦁ Stay Consistent
Why Routine & Structure Matter:
⦁ Reduces Anxiety
⦁ Boosts Focus
⦁ Builds Independence
⦁ Decreases Meltdowns
⦁ Supports Emotional Control
(Figure 7)

Strategies To Help Maintain Routine and Structure
⦁ First–Then Statements
⦁ Use Timers
⦁ Set Routines for Key Moments
⦁ Keep Rules & Rewards Consistent
(Figure 8)