The following goal-directed activity is a really great tool for parents to use with their child in overstimulating environments (grocery store, library, on a walk or a long drive, etc). I like this exercise because it is very quantitative and concrete, engages the child physically and visually, and is most importantly, FUN!
I often use this with children who are easily overstimulated by their environment to ground them back in the present moment (this is great for any child but especially children with ADHD and children on the spectrum).
Here is an example of a more elaborate activity I requested one of my clients to do this weekend:
The Tally Counter (Amazon sells them for very little- something like $2-$3):
A simpler example of this activity can be: “Today on our walk through the grocery store, I want you to count all of the people with red shoes”. Dont forget to establish some rules around staying with the cart.
spectrumshare.com 
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