The PBIS World Book

Unfocused/Inattentive

The student may:

  • Frequently off task
  • Easily distracted
  • Need frequent redirection and refocusing
  • Unable to follow multi-step directions or even finish one step directions
  • Get lost in the middle of tasks, sentences, conversations, explanations, etc
  • Frequently looking out window, around room, at objects, people, etc
  • Appear confused when assignment begins
  • Needs frequent restating of instructions
  • Often say’s “what?” or questions what has been said or asked
  • Appear confused, disoriented, or lost
  • Often fail to give close attention to details or make careless mistakes
  • Have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
  • Frequently switches from one activity to another
  • Rarely completes one task before beginning another
  • Seem scattered and disorganized
  • Have a chaotic thought pattern, jumping from one topic to another with no connection or transition
  • Often doesn’t seem to be listening when spoken to directly or looks through speaker
  • Often not follow through on instructions and/or fail to finish schoolwork
  • Have difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  • Often avoid or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
  • Often lose things necessary for tasks or activities
  • Be easily distracted
  • Be forgetful