Attention Autism Programme – 6 Weeks (18 Lessons) | Stages 2, 3 & 4
This 6-week Attention Autism programme provides 18 structured sessions designed to support shared attention, engagement, turn-taking, and communication for autistic learners. Activities follow the Attention Autism approach (Stages 2, 3, and 4) and are organised around motivating, sensory-rich themes.
Each theme includes 3 sessions, allowing repetition, anticipation, and deep engagement.
Programme Structure
6 weeks total
18 sessions (3 sessions per theme)
Focus on Stages 2, 3 & 4
Suitable for SEND, autism bases, specialist settings, and EYFS/Primary
Themes & Session Focus
Shiny & Sparkly (3 Sessions)
Focus: Visual attention, anticipation, shared enjoyment
Activities may include:
Shiny objects reveal
Sparkly jars and light reflections
Turn-taking with shiny items
Resources:
Tinsel, foil shapes
Glitter bottles / sensory jars
Light-up toys or reflective mirrors
Colour Explosion (3 Sessions)
Focus: Visual tracking, cause and effect, excitement
Activities may include:
Colour mixing demonstrations
Colour reveals and surprises
Shared colour-based actions
Resources:
Coloured scarves or ribbons
Paint, food colouring, pipettes
Coloured balls or parachute
Animal Beauty (3 Sessions)
Focus: Engagement, imitation, shared attention
Activities may include:
Animal reveals
Movement and sound imitation
Turn-taking with animal actions
Resources:
Toy animals
Animal sound makers
Puppets or animal pictures
Spring Awakening (3 Sessions)
Focus: Nature, observation, calm attention
Activities may include:
Flowers opening
Nature object exploration
Simple cause-and-effect actions
Resources:
Artificial or real flowers
Leaves, petals, natural items
Spring-themed visuals
Music & Sound (3 Sessions)
Focus: Listening, anticipation, shared rhythm
Activities may include:
Sound surprises
Musical turn-taking
Stop/start listening games
Resources:
Musical instruments
Shakers, bells, drums
Recorded sound effects
Water (3 Sessions)
Focus: Sensory attention, cause and effect
Activities may include:
Pouring and splashing demonstrations
Floating and sinking
Shared water play
Resources:
Water trays
Cups, funnels, floating objects
Towels and waterproof mats
Key Skills Supported
Shared attention and engagement
Turn-taking and waiting
Anticipation and curiosity
Communication through gesture, vocalisation, or AAC
Regulation and enjoyment
Ideal For
Attention Autism groups
SEND and specialist provisions
Autism bases
EYFS and lower primary learners




















