Joint attention
Last updated
Joint attention is two people sharing focus on the same object or event, and each knowing the other is paying attention to it.
Topic: Early childhood
In plain terms
A toddler points at a dog, looks at a parent, and looks back at the dog: that is joint attention. It includes following someone's point or gaze and directing someone's attention by pointing, showing or looking. Joint attention is an early foundation for language and social learning, and it can look different in autistic children, who may share attention in their own ways.
How it shows up in an IEP
Goals target specific behaviors during play, such as following a point to a toy or showing an object to an adult, measured as opportunities across sessions.
Example
During play with bubbles, a 3-year-old looks from the bubbles to the teacher and back to request more, in 4 of 5 opportunities across two sessions.
Related terms
- AutismUnder IDEA, autism is a developmental disability that significantly affects communication and social interaction and adversely affects educational performance.
- Preschool special educationPreschool special education is special education and related services for eligible children ages 3 through 5 under IDEA Part B.
- PragmaticsPragmatics is the social use of language: how people use words, tone and body language to communicate in different situations.
- Early interventionEarly intervention is the set of services for infants and toddlers, from birth to age 3, who have developmental delays or disabilities, and for their families.
On IEP Atlas
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.