Topics > Attention Issues

Common Questions

Can you provide me examples of behavioral interventions used to treat “attention issues?”

Remember, that each intervention must be individualized to the student's needs to be successful.  If not, you are simply aiming for a moving target in the dark and can do more harm than good.  However, here are a small sample of commonly implemented behavioral intervention strategies:

1.  Providing a structure to your child’s daily routine, complete with visual aids (Daily Schedules, Chores charts, Household Expectations, Etc.)
2.  Breaking tasks into smaller components to allow your child appropriate breaks and a more accessible sense of accomplishment for the child who struggles with work completion (Complete 1 page of homework, take a break, then repeat)
3.  Using timers to enforce time limits and teach what “x” minutes “feels like.” (E.g., “I will be on the phone for 20 minutes.” Set the timer, end call when the timer goes off)
4.  Teaching self-control, (delayed rewards) to replace impulsivity (immediate rewards) through a token economy (E.g., Each daily chore is worth one token, 5 tokens=ice cream for dessert)