Points to show you something interesting
What it is
Not to get it — to share it ('look, a dog!'). A key social-communication sign.
Start preparing
- Point at planes, cats, and lights yourself with big excitement, then look at the child's face.
- When the child looks at something, comment on it and look back at them — 'joint attention' practice.
When to check with a professional
No pointing to show and little shared looking by 18 months is a good reason to complete the M-CHAT-R at Tipat Halav and ask for a developmental evaluation. Development varies widely; this is a prompt to ask, not a diagnosis.
Related
Sources
- Learn the Signs. Act Early. — milestone checklists (2022 revision) — CDC / American Academy of Pediatrics
Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.