Cuing will probably be needed when self-sustained attention fades away and whenever a manual action is changed. Most appealing objects can sustain attention for 5 to 10 minutes.
After a rest period, two or three different activities may be included in a session that lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Activities can be done in small groups of three or four people.
Self-sustained attention without external cuing from another person may be maintained for 1 to 5 minutes. A few intriguing objects may stimulate spontaneous, self-sustained repetitive action for as long as 30 to 45 minutes, with colouring being the most popular.
Effective activities that prevent troublesome behaviour may require scheduled, affirmative activities two or three times a day, every day.