Pointing is one of the first non-verbal milestones a child uses to communicate, serving as an early indicator of social and communicative development in infants and toddlers. This simple gesture allows them to communicate before spoken language develops. Professionals often observe how a child uses pointing when assessing their developmental trajectory. Understanding this early behavior is important because differences in pointing patterns can be an early sign that a child may benefit from further evaluation or support.
Imperative vs. Declarative: Understanding Pointing’s Purpose
Researchers classify pointing into two distinct categories based on the child’s communicative goal. Imperative pointing is a request for an object or action. For instance, a child pointing toward a cookie on a high shelf signals “I want that” or “Get me that.” This form of pointing is goal-oriented, aimed at satisfying an immediate need.
The second category is declarative pointing, which serves a social and relational function rather than a demanding one. A child uses declarative pointing to direct an adult’s attention to something interesting in the environment, such as pointing at an airplane flying overhead or a dog walking by. The underlying message is “Look at that!” and the goal is to share an observation or interest with another person.
Pointing Patterns in Autistic Children
Autistic children often point, but the type of pointing frequently differs from that of typically developing children. Most autistic children develop and use imperative pointing to request desired objects. This function is understandable and often reinforced when the caregiver provides the item.
The significant difference lies in the use of declarative pointing, which is often delayed or absent in children on the autism spectrum. While they may point to request a desired cookie, they are far less likely to point to an airplane simply to share the observation. The lack of index finger pointing on a regular basis for social sharing by 15 to 18 months of age is an important early indicator that may prompt further screening. The gesture may also differ in its physical form, with some children using their whole hand or manipulating an adult’s hand to get what they want, a behavior known as hand-leading.
Joint Attention: The Social Significance of Shared Focus
The deficit in declarative pointing reflects a difference in the social skill known as joint attention. Joint attention is the shared focus of two individuals on an object or event, achieved by alerting another person to that stimulus through eye-gazing, pointing, or other cues. Declarative pointing is the physical manifestation of initiating joint attention.
A child who points to an airplane and then looks back at their parent is spontaneously attempting to create a shared social experience. This drive to share interest forms the basis for complex social learning and language acquisition. The observed difference suggests a reduced intrinsic motivation to spontaneously share attention, thoughts, and feelings with others, which is a core feature of autism.
Encouraging Early Communication Skills
Parents concerned about their child’s pointing or shared attention skills can implement play-based strategies to encourage these communication behaviors. One effective approach is to consistently model declarative pointing and shared focus in everyday interactions. A parent can point to an interesting object, exclaiming “Look! A big truck!” and then shift their gaze back to the child to ensure the attention is shared.
Engaging in back-and-forth play that requires reciprocity, such as rolling a ball or taking turns, helps build the foundation for social interaction. It is also helpful to follow the child’s gaze and interest, commenting on what they are focused on to reinforce shared attention. If a child shows a preference for hand-leading, parents can gently guide the child’s hand to a pointing position while providing the requested item. Parents should consult with a pediatrician or specialist if a child is not using a variety of gestures, including declarative pointing, by 18 months of age.