Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch2)

The Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch2) is commonly used to assess separable aspects of attention in children and adolescents aged 5 to 15 years, specifically the ability to selectively attend, sustain and divide attention.

Ψ Selective Attention: Ability to focus on a particular object for a certain period of time

Ψ Sustain Attention: Ability to maintain focus on a task for long periods

Ψ Divide Attention: Ability to process more than one piece of information at a time

The TEA-Ch2 comprises of 9 subtests which measure a child’s ability to selectively attend, sustain attention, divide attention between two tasks, switch attention from one thing to another, and withhold (inhibit) verbal and motor responses. It uses both paper-based and computerised tests where children are required to complete a series of tasks within a period of time.

There are 2 versions of the TEA-Ch2:

1. For children aged 5-7 years old – 7 subtests (35-40 minutes)

2. For children aged 8-15 years old – 9 subtests (40-55 minutes) 

The various subtests of the TEA-Ch2 help the child psychologist to differentiate the attentional strengths and weaknesses in each child (e.g., if the child struggles more with selective attention or sustained attention). This enables the child psychologist to keep an eye on important elements of a child’s attention when monitoring outcomes, and to develop the appropriate interventions specific to each child’s needs.

A fun fact: The TEA-Ch2 is designed in a comic administration format that is perfect for keeping children engaged throughout the test.

Having two distinct versions of the tests (a shorter version for younger children vs a longer version vs older children) ensures that the tests are appropriate and tailored to the cognitive development of the child’s demographic to ensure higher accuracy of results.