So What is Joint Attention???

So what is joint attention? Joint attention occurs when you reference an object, person, or thing, (pointing, looking) drawing the child’s attention, and the child is able to refocus on that same object, person, or thing with you. Joint attention is one of the most important aspects of autism treatment. If you are caring for a child with autism, or whom you suspect has autism, it is highly recommended you get a professional therapist, specializing in autism to help the child, family and you. There are some simple things you can do to help children with autism. Encourage them, teach them to ask for things they want or want to do and then whenever possible and appropriate, quickly meet those requests. Encourage reciprocal communication (i.e., you make a request and they respond appropriately, they make a request, you respond, and then they make a request for more). Remember communication can be something as simple as glances, pointing, signs, or words; though you would not want to let a child capable of asking with words get away with a simple glance.

Autism Spectrum

Often when people talk about autism, they talk about the autism spectrum. Really, there could be 10 or more disabilities identified over the next 20 years. Two segments of the spectrum are autism and aspergers. Autism is usually marked by a lack or great difficulty with joint attention and aspergers is usually marked by great difficulty in interactions and social situations.