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What is Joint Attention?

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Summary

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Joint attention is when two people look at the same thing simultaneously. It helps people communicate and understand each other. People with autism may struggle with joint attention, but with help, they can improve their skills and have better social interactions.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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How can joint attention be improved?

Joint attention can be improved through practice and support. This can include playing games, following directions, and sharing experiences.

How does joint attention relate to autism?

People with autism may struggle with joint attention, but with help, they can improve their skills and have better social interactions. Joint attention is important for improving communication and understanding in people with autism.

How can joint attention be used in therapy or teaching?

Joint attention can be used in therapy or teaching by sharing experiences, playing games, giving directions, and using books and stories. This can help improve social skills and communication abilities in children.

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Scientific Definition

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Joint attention is crucial for individuals with autism as it aids in connecting with others and grasping social cues. However, in autism, developing joint attention might take longer compared to typical children. For instance, a child with autism may not follow others’ gaze or respond to pointing gestures. This can hinder their comprehension of others’ communication and sharing of ideas. The good news is that with support and guidance, individuals with autism can enhance their joint attention skills, leading to improved social interactions and better understanding of the world around them. By working on joint attention, people with autism can foster meaningful connections and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

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Real World Example of Joint Attention

Meet Susie, a cheerful and curious 6-year-old with autism. Susie’s parents recently discovered the power of joint attention and how it can positively impact her social interactions. Here’s a heartwarming story of Susie’s joint attention journey:

  • One sunny afternoon, Susie and her dad were strolling in the park. They came across a group of children flying kites.
  • As Susie’s eyes lit up, her dad followed her gaze and noticed the colorful kites soaring high in the sky. He pointed at the kites and exclaimed, “Look, Susie, how beautiful!”
  • To his delight, Susie turned her head to where her dad was pointing, showing joint attention by sharing the focus on the kites. She smiled and said, “Pretty colors!”
  • Encouraged by her dad’s response, Susie continued to look at the kites and even pointed at one, trying to initiate a shared experience with her dad.
  • Her dad enthusiastically joined in, exclaiming, “Yes, that one has blue and green colors, just like your favorite crayons!”
  • Through this joint attention moment, Susie felt a stronger connection with her dad, and they enjoyed a joyful time watching the kites together.

Susie’s journey with joint attention had just begun, and her parents knew that with Goally’s support, they could help her develop even more meaningful connections with the world around her.

How Does Joint Attention Work?

Understanding how joint attention works and seeing it in action can be beneficial for parents of children with autism. Joint attention involves sharing focus on an object or activity with another person and is crucial for social interaction and communication. Here are examples of joint attention:

  • Pointing: A child points at a toy they want to play with, and the parent follows their gaze, acknowledging the shared interest.
  • Eye Contact: During a conversation, a child with autism looks at their parent’s face when the parent points out something interesting.
  • Shared Play: A child and their sibling play together with the same toy, taking turns and interacting with each other.
  • Reading Together: A parent reads a book with their child, and both focus on the pictures and words together.
  • Referential Gestures: A child hands a cup to their parent, indicating they want a drink, and the parent responds appropriately.

Joint attention is evident in various everyday situations, from simple gestures like pointing to more complex interactions during shared activities. Goally’s tablet and apps help kids with autism improve joint attention through gamified learning, visual schedules, and social skills training videos. It enhances life and language skills, promoting engagement and shared focus with caregivers and peers.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 10, 2023. It was updated on July 21, 2023.

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