Tips for Working with a Child Who Is Very Focused

Friends, Family and Home

• Provide her with private space to work on her activities.
• Encourage him to be flexible and willing to change activities when friends want new ones.
• Warn her ahead of time before going on a family outing or asking her to join a family activity.
• Provide pictures and toys in his crib for him to enjoy.

Learning, Childcare and School

• Ask the teacher to remind her about toileting and water breaks.
• Let teachers know that he often needs some notice to be able to stop his activity and move on.
• Read books with more complex stories to her, and ask her questions about the story and pictures.

Activities and Television

• Encourage him in a variety of activities, not just one.
• She may not hear when you call her from TV or activities, so physically touch her to get her attention.
• Provide him with puzzles and activities with more pieces and greater difficulty.

Guidance and Discipline

• If she does not respond to you, go over and touch or face her to get her attention.
• Talk with him about different ways to do things.
• Give her time to think about things before expecting answers.
• Allow extra time for babies and toddlers to eat and experiment with spoons and textures.