Visual Attention in Children Theories and Activities

In typical child development, attention controls many aspects of learning, including memory, motor control, and problem solving. Attention organizes the constant influx of information that needs to be absorbed by children. Inside Visual Attention in Children: Theories and Activities, Dr. Kenneth A. Lane describes the positive aspects of attention that are needed for children to be successful in the classroom, such as concentration and vigilance, as opposed to negative aspects that can lead to failure, such as distractibility and confusion. This book is divided into two parts. The first eight chapters of the book explain attention and its relationship to vision and visual stimuli. The core topics discussed here include Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Executive Function, and Memory. The second half outlines a Vision Therapy program and consists of activities for improving visual attention in children. Over 100 activities are explained and illustrated. Visual Attention in Children: Theories and Activities is anchored on current theories in five areas of attention that shape child development. Theories Described Include: Focused Attention The ability to respond discreetly to visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli Selective Attention The ability to maintain behavioral or cognitive abilities in the face of distracting or competing stimuli Shifting Attention The ability to rapidly shift attention from one object to another Sustained Attention The ability to maintain a consistent behavioral response during a continuous or repetitive activity Divided Attention The ability to engage in more than one attention-focused task at one time. Visual Attention in Children: Theories and Activities is the perfect tool for occupational therapy students and clinicians as well as other professionals specializing in child development and learning who are looking to enhance their understanding of this topic and who need unique ideas and activities to add to their visual therapy training programs.

Kenneth A. Lane, OD is a doctor of optometry and a fellow with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Since his first book, Reversal Errors: Theories and Therapy Procedures, in 1988, Dr. Lane has published Developing Your Child for Success, Developing Ocular Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills, and a series of workbooks that deal with eye tracking and perception. He started the Lane Learning Center to help learning-disabled children in 1980. Visual Attention in Children: Theories and Activities is the result of 3 years of research. Dr. Lane lives with his wife, Janet, in north Texas and spends his leisure time in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

CONTENTS Dedication Acknowledgments About the Author Preface Introduction Chapter 1 Vision and Attention Chapter 2 Attention Chapter 3 Memory Chapter 4 Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Chapter 5 Autism Chapter 6 Reading Disability Chapter 7 Plasticity Chapter 8 Cerebrovascular Accident and Traumatic Brain Injury Chapter 9 The Training Program Attention Training Activities See the Color Atlas after page 199 Resources Glossary Index