AL9. Managing Attention

Pays brief attention to environmental stimuli (e.g., caregivers' scent, voice, face, touch).

Indicates a preference with physical or vocal response to caregivers.

Focuses attention on preferred items and experiences.

Expresses thoughts, verbally or nonverbally, by responding to simple choices (e.g., points at preferred object/person).

Anticipates and follows simple routines provided by caregivers.

Pays attention to both familiar and new objects and experiences.

Chooses from a few options within a familiar environment.

Accepts a familiar adult's offer of personalized support and/or redirection when facing difficult or unexpected situations.

Attends for longer periods of time through a broad range of adult-directed and child-initiated activities.

Makes self-directed choices from a greater variety of options.

Shows increasing ability to remember and follow simple two-step directions.

Maintains focus and perseverance on a task of interest for a minimum of five minutes independently.

Begins to develop ways to think about and solve problems, seeking adult support as needed.