Hello!
I’m wondering if I could get some opinions on the below, regarding joint attention.
I know how important it is for speech and language development and possible disorders/delays.
My daughter is 21 months, I’ve been doing SALT sessions since 18 months to learn Hanen techniques, and she’s gone from zero to 30 words in that time. She is developing really well in all other areas, her understanding is great, she’s interested in people and other kids.
However.
I’ve noticed her joint attention skills are a mixed bag and will give some examples:
- She watches and imitates actions and facial expressions very well.
- She points and comments a lot (usually there, lookadat, or that).
- She doesnt always point and LOOK at us to show things (e.g a plane in the sky she will point to, say ‘there!’ And ‘finished’ when it’s gone, but doesn't always look in our faces to check we are looking too)
- She will look in my eyes to check my reaction to new noises/new thing
- she follows a point or a gaze very well
- she will usually reach with her WHOLE hand, comment/yell and then look at us to get help reaching something out of reach
- bring us stuff to show us/play with her
- enjoys and engages in back and forth games like ball rolling, copying games
What does anyone think? The SLT said ‘her joint attention (regarding the airplane) isnt quite where it needs to be’. I know joint attention is a big one. Is it worth pursuing a private assessment?