The best joint attention activities for autism include book reading, ball rolling, turn-taking play, and peek-a-boo, in which focus is shared between child and caregiver. These activities build communication, social interaction, and language skills by encouraging children to stay attuned to another person’s cues and facial expressions.
ABA therapy helps children develop joint attention by breaking the skill into small, achievable steps and practicing them through fun activities. Because these activities are often simple and play-based, parents and caregivers can easily continue practicing them at home — creating even more opportunities to build communication and social skills.
This article will explore joint attention activities that you can play with your child. You’ll learn how to build meaningful moments of connection that nurture your relationship and support your child’s long-term social skills.
Joint Attention Activities for Autism to Try at Home
While ABA therapy can help children develop joint attention, parents play an important role, too. Consistently incorporating play-based activities at home — even in as little as a few minutes a day — gives your child more opportunities to strengthen shared attention skills in a familiar environment.
Simple games and play-based activities
You don’t need expensive joint attention toys or complicated routines to help your child practice these skills. Many of the most effective joint attention games use everyday items or common toys you already have at home — from books and bubbles to balls and blocks. Below are some examples that are easy to incorporate at home:
| Activity | What it builds | Age range |
| Shared book reading | Following a caregiver’s gaze and pointing at shared objects | 8 months+ |
| Bubbles or balloon play | Anticipation and shared excitement over a shared event | 10 months+ |
| Peekaboo | Eye contact and turn-taking within a shared moment | 6 months+ |
| Pointing-and-naming | Initiating and responding to joint attention bids | 12 months+ |
| Simple turn-taking play (rolling a ball, stacking blocks) | Reciprocal engagement and shared focus over time | 18 months+ |
How to encourage joint attention day-to-day
Beyond dedicated playtime, everyday interactions at home are key to fostering joint attention. Consider the following easy ways you can reinforce communication and social skills with your child throughout the day:
- Follow your child’s lead by joining activities they’re already interested in
- Point to and talk about objects or events that capture their attention
- Pause to give your child time to look, gesture, or respond before continuing
- Celebrate when your child looks at you, points something out, or shares an experience
What is Joint Attention and Why Does it Matter?
The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) defines joint attention as the shared focus of two or more individuals on the same object or event. This skill is woven into so many of our everyday interactions that we’re often not aware of it, yet it’s a critical component of social interaction.
Think of the last time you spent time with a friend or significant other. You may have laughed over a funny photo on your phone, shared a glimpse at the sunset, or watched a dog run through the park. This ability helps us bond with others, and from an early age lays the foundation for language and social development.
How does joint attention relate to autism?
So, what is joint attention in autism? The DSM-5 identifies impairments in joint attention as a core feature of social communication deficits in autism spectrum disorder. What this practically means is that children with autism often have difficulty sharing attention with others — such as following another person’s gaze, pointing gestures, or facial expressions. Joint attention challenges are often among some of the earliest signs of autism in toddlers.
Why is joint attention important for language development?
Joint attention helps children connect words with the people, objects, and experiences around them, which is necessary for language development. Because children with autism often have difficulty sharing attention with others, they may have fewer opportunities to learn language through these everyday interactions. Early intervention ABA therapy and speech therapy can both help children improve joint attention and expressive language skills.
When Does Joint Attention Typically Develop?
Many of the common developmental milestones for babies and toddlers are a form of joint attention — such as pointing, following a parent’s gaze, or playing with others. While there is some variation in which children reach milestones, the CDC sets specific guidelines to keep in mind:
What age does joint attention develop?
Joint attention begins to develop during the first year of life as babies start to follow others’ gazes, and becomes more consistent and complex throughout toddlerhood. By 18 months, many children can point in order to show caregivers something, or look at a few pages of a book with others.
Signs your child may need extra support
Wondering if your child is behind on joint attention milestones? If your child isn’t developing joint attention skills as expected — such as not following gazes at age one or not pointing at age two — it may be helpful to talk with your pediatrician. Early evaluation can help your family access supports like early intervention ABA therapy or speech therapy if they’re needed.
How is Pointing Related to Joint Attention?
Joint attention relies on both verbal and nonverbal cues that direct multiple people to the same focus. Pointing is one of the earliest and most important nonverbal signs of joint attention, as it invites another person to share in an experience.
Pointing as a joint attention milestone
Starting around 12-15 months of age, most children will start pointing to show a caregiver something interesting — such as an airplane overhead or a dog at the park. This simple gesture is a key developmental milestone for toddlers that demonstrates their ability to share attention and connect with others.
What is an example of joint attention?
Joint attention happens anytime a child and another person focus on the same object or activity together. For example, a child might:
- Point to a bird and look back at a parent
- Follow a parent’s finger to look at a truck
- Read a picture book together while pointing to the pictures
Building Connection, One Shared Moment at a Time
Small, shared moments of attention can have a lasting impact on your child’s development. Whether you’re reading a book together, pointing to a helicopter in the sky, or simply sharing a smile, these valuable interactions teach your child to recognize social cues and match language to objects and events.
If your child is having difficulty developing joint attention skills, you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone. ABA therapy helps children develop these skills through individualized, play-based strategies while giving parents practical tools to practice at home. Contact United Care ABA Therapy to learn how our ABA programs support your child’s development.
Joint Attention FAQs
How does ABA therapy improve joint attention?
ABA therapy improves joint attention through individualized, play-based activities that encourage children to share attention with others. Therapists may use games like bubbles, turn-taking, or shared book reading while using prompting and positive reinforcement to build these skills.
What is joint attention in autism?
Joint attention in autism refers to a child’s ability to share attention with another person. Because autistic children may have more difficulty developing this skill, it is often a focus of early intervention and ABA therapy.
What is an example of joint attention?
A child pointing to an airplane and looking back at a parent to see if they’re looking too is an example of joint attention. Reading a book together or following a parent’s gaze are other common examples.
When does joint attention develop?
Joint attention begins to emerge in infancy and becomes more established during the toddler years. By 18 months, many children can point in order to share something interesting with others.
How can I improve joint attention at home?
Parents can support joint attention through consistent, play-based interactions at home. Following your child’s lead, joining in activities they enjoy, and engaging in games like book reading or turn-taking can all strengthen this skill.
