DEVELOPING GENERAL ATTENTION IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AGED 3-4 YEARS THROUGH A NATURAL INTERVENTION APPROACH

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is currently a group of disorders with a rapidly increasing prevalence (CDC, 2008). According to DSM-5 (2013) and ICD-11 (2018), autism spectrum disorder is also known as pervasive developmental disorder or developmental disorder because it is associated with delays in many developmental areas to varying degrees, including language, communication, social interaction, imagination, and stereotypical behavior. The core deficits of autism spectrum disorder include: deficits in social interaction, communication deficits, and stereotypical behavior. These deficits lead to learning difficulties and obstacles in the lives of autistic children. Social communication deficits, such as those related to imitation, turn-taking, and attention span, directly affect the reception, expression, interaction, and participation in society of children with autism, particularly their general attention span. Attention span is essential for the beginning of learning and communication. It helps maintain focus during an activity without distraction and demonstrates care and respect for what the other person is expressing. This article analyzes some general attention span characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder, specifically those aged 3-4 years, through a natural intervention approach. Based on this analysis, it proposes measures to improve general attention span in 3-4 year old children with autism spectrum disorder through this approach.