What is joint attention, and how can we support it?

Joint attention means sharing attention and enjoyment about the same object or event—for example, following a point, showing a toy, or looking between an object and another person. Join your child's play at their eye level, notice what they are already interested in, add a short comment, and respond warmly to looks, gestures, sounds, signs, or pointing. Use enjoyable turn-taking games. The aim is not to demand eye contact; it is to help the child experience that sharing attention and communication is useful and enjoyable.