Joint attention is a child's ability to share interest in something with another person, for example by pointing, showing a toy or following your gaze. If your child rarely points, waves or shows you things, the best next step is a professional developmental assessment rather than waiting and worrying. Support is available at Bloom Beyond Enabling in Al Jaddaf, Dubai, through our speech therapy team.
Many parents in Dubai notice that their toddler can be happy, active and affectionate, yet does not point at aeroplanes, wave goodbye or bring over a favourite book. These small gestures are easy to overlook, but they tell us a great deal about how a child is learning to communicate. This guide explains what they mean, what is typical, and when to seek advice.
Before children use words, they use gestures. Pointing, waving, reaching, nodding and showing objects let a child say "look at that", "I want this" and "hello" without a single word. Researchers describe these skills as part of early social communication, and they are closely linked to later language development.
Gestures also teach children that communication is a two-way exchange. When your child points and you respond with a word, they learn that sharing attention is rewarding, which encourages them to do it again.
Every child develops at their own pace, so the following ages are only a guide. Many children wave goodbye and begin to point to things they want between roughly nine and twelve months. By about twelve to eighteen months, many point to show interest, not just to request something. Developmental checklists, such as those published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include pointing and waving among early milestones, which is why paediatricians often ask about them.
A child who is a little later than a checklist suggests is not necessarily experiencing a difficulty. However, if gestures are missing alongside other changes, such as limited eye contact or not responding to their name, it is wise to seek advice promptly.
There is no single cause. Possible explanations include a general language delay, hearing difficulties, differences in motor coordination, or differences in social communication. Some children simply prefer to watch before they join in. Because the reasons vary, self-diagnosis is not helpful, and a qualified team can look at hearing, play, understanding and communication together.
If movement or coordination seems to play a part, an occupational therapy review can also be useful. If your child seems anxious in new situations, clinical psychology input may help you understand what is going on.
You do not need special equipment. Short, playful moments throughout the day work best.
Get down to your child's eye level and follow their lead. When they look at something, name it simply: "Ball!" Hold a favourite toy slightly out of reach so they have a reason to reach or point. Try songs with actions, such as waving to the characters in a rhyme, and pause so your child can take a turn. Exaggerate your own pointing and waving, and celebrate every attempt warmly, even if it is not perfect.
Keep sessions brief and joyful. If your child becomes upset or turns away, take a break and try again later.
A speech and language therapist will observe how your child plays, listens and communicates, then set small, achievable goals. For some children, structured teaching approaches within ABA therapy are used to build early skills such as imitation and sharing attention through play. Parents are an essential part of this process, and good therapy gives you practical strategies to use at home between sessions.
Seeking help early does not mean something is wrong. It simply gives your child extra support at the time when learning is happening fastest.
Not necessarily. Many children begin pointing and waving somewhere between nine and eighteen months, but typical development covers a wide range. If your child is using no gestures by around eighteen months, it is sensible to ask for a developmental check rather than wait.
No, not on its own. Limited gestures can have several explanations, including language delay, hearing difficulties or a quieter temperament. A professional assessment looks at the whole picture, which is far more reliable than guessing.
Yes. Play-based support, including speech therapy and ABA, uses short, motivating routines that help children learn to share interest with another person. Progress varies from child to child, so goals are tailored to your child.
It is worth mentioning to a professional. Understanding words is an encouraging sign, but gestures are an important building block for communication, so a short assessment can reassure you or identify helpful support early.
Bloom Beyond Enabling offers speech therapy at 601, 602 & 701 Al Nastaran Tower, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai. Our team welcomes families from across Dubai and can advise on the right starting point after an assessment.
If you are wondering about your child's communication, we would be glad to help. Please arrange an assessment by calling +971 4 554 5234 or +971 52 600 4107, emailing bloom@bloombeyond.me, or visiting us at 601, 602 & 701 Al Nastaran Tower, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai.
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