Attention Autism Programme – 6 Weeks (18 Lessons) | Stages 2, 3 & 4

This 6-week Attention Autism programme provides 18 structured sessions designed to develop shared attention, engagement, turn-taking, and communication for autistic learners. Activities follow the Attention Autism approach (Stages 2, 3 & 4) and use motivating, seasonal, and sensory-rich themes.

Each theme includes 3 sessions, giving learners repeated exposure and opportunities to anticipate, respond, and engage.

Programme Structure

6 weeks total

18 sessions (3 per theme)

Focus on Stages 2, 3 & 4

Suitable for SEND, autism bases, specialist settings, and EYFS/Primary

Themes & Session Focus

1. New Year (3 Sessions)

Focus: Celebration, anticipation, visual & auditory engagement
Activities may include:

Party poppers or confetti reveals

Noise-maker demonstrations

Shared excitement and turn-taking

Resources:

Party hats, confetti, noise-makers

Light-up toys

Visual countdowns or timers

1. Cold & Ice (3 Sessions)

Focus: Sensory exploration, cause and effect, anticipation
Activities may include:

Ice cube experiments

Freezing and melting demonstrations

Cold object exploration

Resources:

Ice cubes, bowls, and trays

Freezer-safe objects

Towels or mats

1. Chinese New Year (3 Sessions)

Focus: Colourful visuals, music, and movement
Activities may include:

Dragon or lion reveals

Musical instruments and rhythm

Colour and shape exploration

Resources:

Red scarves, lanterns, dragons

Musical instruments (drums, bells)

Chinese New Year pictures and props

1. Tissues (3 Sessions)

Focus: Anticipation, cause and effect, visual tracking
Activities may include:

Pulling and revealing objects from tissues

“Magic” tissue tricks

Shared exploration and interaction

Resources:

Tissues, boxes, scarves

Small hidden objects

Gloves or pom-poms for tactile play

1. Fruit & Veg (3 Sessions)

Focus: Visual attention, colour, and sensory exploration
Activities may include:

Fruit/vegetable reveals and tasting (optional)

Colour matching or sorting

Turn-taking with props

Resources:

Real or toy fruits and vegetables

Colour mats or trays

Scoops, spoons, or small baskets

1. Valentines & Red (3 Sessions)

Focus: Colour exploration, anticipation, shared engagement
Activities may include:

Red object reveals

Heart-shaped items or decorations

Sensory and cause-effect activities

Resources:

Red scarves, pom-poms, or hearts

Glitter, sparkly objects

Light-up toys or tactile props

Key Skills Supported

Shared attention and engagement

Turn-taking and waiting

Anticipation and curiosity

Communication using gesture, speech, or AAC

Regulation and enjoyment

Ideal For

Attention Autism groups

SEND and specialist provisions

Autism bases

EYFS and lower primary learners