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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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