Encouraging Joint Attention in Toddlers: Building the Foundation for Social Learning
Introduction Joint attention is an important milestone in children's communication and social development. It is the ability to share attention with someone else on an object or event, for instance, when you are a toddler and you point at a toy and look at the other person to see if they notice it too. Joint experience helps children learn about the environment, acquire language, and become emotionally attached to people. In toddlers, especially in children who may have differences in development like autism, developing joint attention can be a critical early goal. Why Joint Attention Matters Joint attention isn't just gazing at the same thing—it's about making connections. Joint attention helps kids: Learn new words Understand social cues Develop empathy and relationships Build the groundwork for conversation Without joint attention, it is difficult for toddlers to really engage with others or learn from their environment. Strategies to Promote Joint Attention in Toddlers ...