Developing Joint Attention

Patient Information Leaflet - A guide for parents and carers

What is Joint Attention?

• Joint attention involves looking and listening to something with another person and being aware that the other person is involved.
• It is essential to a child's developing communication skills.
• It helps your child match what they see or are doing to the words you say.

You can encourage Joint Attention by:

• Blowing bubbles - Wait for your child to look at you before blowing.
• Blowing up balloons - Wait for your child to look at you before letting the balloon go!
• Singing nursery rhymes with your child.
• Playing people games such as peek-a-boo: Hide your face when your child is looking at you with a cloth or curtain, and then pull it off and say 'boo'!
• Imitating what your child is doing, in order to join in with their focus.
• Using feely bags filled with different toys/objects. Create excitement at 'what's in the bag?'.
• Creating lots of surprises within everyday routines. For example, pretend to put your child's shoe on your own foot. Your child is more likely to look if the unexpected happens.
• Looking at books together - Using funny faces and making animal sounds together.
• Constantly point out interesting things in your daily activities, e.g., a dog in the park.

Our Top Tips

• Reduce distractions such as turning off the TV, so that your child can focus more easily when you are playing together.
• Use exaggerated facial expressions and noises in order to encourage your child to look in your direction as well as the toys you're playing with.
• Be at your child's level when you are playing together so that he/she can easily see your face.
• Hold things near to your face so your child can look at the objects and you more easily.
• Follow what your child is interested in.
• Pay attention to what he/she is focussed on. If you are interested in what they are doing, they will be more interested in you!
• Play with motivating toys and engage in sensory experiences with your child.
• This will foster their engagement in not only the activity but also with you.
• Observe your child's strengths and interests and tailor activities around these.
• Most importantly Have fun, be silly and enjoy the time you are spending with your child.