The few objects that capture their attention seem to be related to procedural memories. Procedural memories, habits, and automatic actions look the same. Eating is consistently the activity that people do with the highest ability to function; often one cognitive level better than every other activity. A single observation of eating behaviour is a nasty clinical position to be in because the predictive validity of an eating observation is lousy.
Feeding themselves with finger foods requires attention to a habitual movement that is probably stored in procedural memory. My guess is that the habit is the reason that so many items are put into their mouth.
While eating, they usually require frequent reminders to keep eating and drinking.
Moving objects that may capture their attention include bubbles because they move so slow that they may be able to reach out and pop them.
When the pop is followed by a smile or a chuckle, we know that they enjoyed it.
Balloons tend to move faster, but some people may be able to bat a balloon aside when it is rolled toward their hand.
After placing their open hand on their lap or a table, you may be able to roll a ball into their hand. The ball should be a little smaller than the size of their palm. Textured balls in bright neon colours may be used to attract the person's attention. The grasp may be habitual or automatic.
While the person is sitting on the edge of the bed, rocking the person backwards and forwards provides vestibular stimulation that can be relaxing and strengthen anterior / posterior trunk muscles. The metronome automatically provides a steady rhythm for the exercise that makes the experience enjoyable for many people. They can have fun too.
When using the metronome, spontaneous tapping of their own hand on their leg or the table may be imitated. Bean bags can be combined with the metronome and hand-over-hand assistance to tap the bag with the beat.
To reduce difficulties with infection control, each person can have their own bean bag.
The bean bags are easily made by sewing two 4 inch (10 cm) squares together and filled with inexpensive rice, beans or corn kernels. Scrap or inexpensive fabrics may be used. Use a wipe cleanable fabric like vinyl for ease of cleaning.
