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Focused Attention
Following are suggestions to assist individuals with weaknesses in focusing attention:
- Praise/reward "on-task" behavior; remove reinforcers for "off-task" behaviors.
- Minimize distracting stimuli in the environment (e.g., noises; air conditioner; heater; doors or windows; high traffic areas; other people). Encourage working in quiet environments. Use earplugs or white noise machines; work in cubicles/study rooms to prevent distractions. Place students in the front of the class, directly before the teacher, or allow them to take tests in an isolated room.
- Cue the individual to focus and refocus attention to task requirements as needed.
- Make sure the individual is paying attention when speaking to them or when they begin a task and ask them to repeat important information.
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