What is the milestone about pointing at things for toddler?

[BlueberryPancake]

I have a very lively and gorgeous DS who is 1 year old, and is not pointing at things. He is very determined and will do everything to 'get to' what he wants, he was crawling at 6 months old and today tried to get out of the bath by himself (!!!), but he doesn't point. I remember reading something about it here, that it is supposed to be an important developmental stage, but I can't remember why and at what age. Anybody knows?

[bubblagirl]

from now on would be it as only just going to really start noticing things

dont panic yourself still very young to be worrying

[getbackinyouryurtjimjams]

He sounds fine.

Pointing at things of interest to share the interest with you by 18 months. So half a lifetime away for him.

[MannyMoeAndJack]

Have a read here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/8/527187

You are right to have concerns about the lack of pointing but hopefully, your ds will get the hang of it soon.

[suwoo]

It is 15 months. I had DS at the health visitor the day after he turned 15 months as he wasn't even following a point (1st step). 2 weeks later he was pointing at everything. My HV to her credit said not to worry and you know your own child etc.

[getbackinyouryurtjimjams]

NOT at one year. (I work in autism research). The test for pointing is part of the CHAT test. This was designed to be carried out at 18 months (and looks at other things as well). A 'fail' should be re-tested at 19 months. A 2nd fail would suggest the need for a referral for further assessment.

It is very normal not to point at 12 months.

[getbackinyouryurtjimjams]

And 'crawling to get everything he wants' is the complete opposite of one 'type' of autism (passive).

[suwoo]

MY nephew is on the spectrum and although he has only been DX recently, the lack of pointing was an issue with him, but also he couldn't crawl or talk by 12 months and wasn't walking at 2. If the lack of pointing is the only issue as it was for me with my DS, then chill! He sounds great, and crawling at 6 months is very early.

[MannyMoeAndJack]

BlueberryPancake, suwoo's HV makes an interesting point - you know your own child better than anyone. The lack of pointing in your ds may not mean anything is amiss at all - he may just need a few more weeks/months to master it. In my experience, if the lack of pointing in a child does prove to be significant, then it will be accompanied by other clues (such as lack of interest in peer group, lack of sharing, poor quality play, etc). If you have no other concerns about your ds (other than his lack of pointing), then I would see this as a good sign.

[MannyMoeAndJack]

SM, do you have any other concerns about your ds, other than his speech?

[TheApprentice]

My 17 month old didnt really point until a month or so ago. He doesnt really say anything either, but Im not worried, he's clearly bright enough and is very good spacially/technically. I just think his language skills arent particularly well developed yet,

[MannyMoeAndJack]

Because you do have other concerns about your ds, then you could take the CHAT test and show the results to your HV?

www.gotoquiz.com/chat_test_for_autism

[lokka]

SM - My DS obsesses with wheels and hinged things too..he also points(13months)I think he's normal so don't worry about the wheel/hinge thing too much!

[MannyMoeAndJack]

I guess it depends on the CHAT results and how much you want to push/how concerned you are. You could wait and see but a lack of pointing and speech at 18mth, stereotypical play (spinning) and detachment are potential indicators of autism.

[MarmadukeScarlet]

SM If I were you I would take your concerns seriously, early intervention can be vital.

My DS didn't point, clap or wave, speak or play in the usual fashion - he too was/is obsessed with wheels.

I referred myself to Portage, by calling them and telling them I had some concerns which weren't being taken seriously (my HV used to say "it's not a race my dear!".

They 'taught' my DS to play, starting with the very basics, a wnaky (as I believe they are called on here) basket full of interesting things and descriptive play.

Descriptive play is fine if you are the only adult around but mortifying to do with an audience - you literally describe what child is doing, eg Master Scarlet has picked up the ball, the ball is smooth, Master scarlet has dropped the ball, he has picked up the wooden spoon and the peg, he is banging them on the floor etc This helps give them language and understand concepts.

We then built up to taking turns, posting, colour matching etc. Every week we were left a toy and a task to complete daily.

My DS at 20 months was 50% behind, by 30 months he was only 30% behind and I believe that the Portage input was vital to this.

Portage

There may be nothing wrong with your DS (mine doesn't have ASD just GDD) but it may be an idea to get a second opinion.

[MannyMoeAndJack]

The HV could say anything but she should take seriously the fact that your ds is non-verbal and does not point. I remember being in exactly your position when my ds was 18mths old. He was non-verbal and did not point. I had other concerns too. However, it was his lack of speech that got him a referral (via a HV) to a SALT. We had a 4/5mth wait (I think) and then a SALT visited. He was diagnosed ASD/SLD when he was 3yrs 5mths.

[Twinklemegan]

I'm sorry, that's a ridiculous test. My DS is a perfectly normal toddler. He scored 18% because I answered yes to questions like being interested in other children, enjoying climbing, being swung/bounced. Utterly ridiculous.

Starlight - do you have genuine concerns other than that test result?

[MannyMoeAndJack]

Obtaining a formal diagnosis of ASD is a lengthy process which involves lots of different professionals, lots of assessments and lots of meetings. If you do find yourself on this path, then at least there will be some answers, help and support at the end of it. I would certainly take your ds to the SureStart centre, it will be good to see how he is alongside his peers. I think your dad's attitude is fantastic, he sounds as though he'll be a brilliant support in the future, if your ds is different!

OP, apologies for the long hijack!

[MannyMoeAndJack]

Twinklemegan, it's good that your ds is perfectly normal and that he only scored 18% - proof that it works, no?