Importance of Pointing in Children - Is Lack of Pointing a Sign of Autism?

Dr. Mary Barbera talks about the importance of pointing. Is lack of pointing a sign of autism? Find out in today’s video about pointing and children with autism.
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One question that I get asked every now and then, and a question you should be asking yourself is, at what age should a child start pointing? Teaching pointing to children is an important skill, as it’s a milestone for typical developing children. When children with autism don’t point, they tend to resort to what is called hand leading. In today’s video I’ll talk a bit about both, types of pointing, how to teach pointing to children, and discuss whether not pointing is a sign of autism. When a child is not point it’s definitely a red flag, but that’s not to say that he/she has autism.
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If you enjoyed this video about child development, children and pointing, be sure to subscribe to the channel, like this video and visit my website below. If you have more questions, leave them down in the comments section, and I will do my best to answer you. Thanks for watching today's video blog, and let's #turnautismaround together!
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Dr. Mary Barbera "fell" into the world of autism in 1999 when her firstborn son, Lucas, was diagnosed with autism one day before his third birthday. In the last 2 decades, Mary went from almost nothing about autism to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, writing a bestseller, The Verbal Behavior Approach (now translated into more than 10 languages) and obtaining a PhD. with an in-depth knowledge of some of the best ABA autism strategies. In 2015, Mary began her first online course on autism that has already been purchased from parents and professionals in more than 45 countries and now sells 3 courses online. With more than 2 decades in the world of autism, both as a parent and as a professional, Mary is in a unique position to help you, especially if you live or work with a child with autism who also has delays or language disorders. Its mission is to change things for 2 million children with autism (or signs of autism) by 2020 through online training and advocacy.

[@brigs1856]

You are a God-send! I have a 14month old who was hard of hearing (moderate to severe) for the first 6months of her life and is showing various signs on the spectrum BUT it may also just be a delay due to those early months. We are taking her for therapy but boy-your videos are informative and extremely helpful! This video is fantastic after watching your video on helping a child to use "yes"... Since not wanting to teach that yet (too early-pointing not established) this is a perfect way to start. Sending much love and grattitude from South Africa!

[@marybarbera]

Thank you so much for a great reply ! I am happy to hear this has been helpful. Have you watched my free workshops ?? They are great for kids regardless of diagnosis bit.ly/2ELvSnM

[@amrutadharmadhikari-vedpat1661]

Ma'am you are so kind person.... World needs people like you😊...

[@marybarbera]

I appreciate it !

[@mistiqueknight0121]

ill try this pointing exercise. i wish i knew this pointing concern earlier... but with your assurance that it can be corrected, ill push forward. wish me well. thank you for this video. ill keep watching more of your content. thank you

[@marybarbera]

I'm so glad you found this helpful! If you're looking for further help with increasing language and decreasing problem behaviors, my online courses can really be beneficial to you. If you're interested, join me for a free workshop at www.marybarbera.com/workshops.

[@angezajan6263]

I wish your were in Austrlia so i could bring my son to you. You have such great personility and you understand better these kid since you have been there.

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it. I interact a lot with the people in my facebook communities. My free workshops can explain more about my mission here: bit.ly/2ELvSnM

[@MARIAFLORES-cl5le]

Dr. Barbera you are awesome you are precise and to the point thank you.

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for watching! I'm so happy you found this video helpful.

[@TeamAutismpedia]

Never heard that. Love that you show how you can learn.

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for watching! have you watched any of my free workshops? marybarbera.com/workshops

[@mohramzi4896]

Thanx so much for your advice!

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for watching!

[@monicaignat7793]

Very useful! Thank you!

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@hudaqureshi1550]

Hello my daughter is micropreemie and she is facing issues like pointing waving eye contact. U really made very nice videos. 👍👍👍

[@marybarbera]

Thank you! I am happy you like them. I do have online courses that may help you more. They are great regardless of diagnosis. Sign up for a free workshop at www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@kkj7483]

Hi how is ur daughter now hope she is fine .my daughter is also premature.was she diagnosed

[@sshian328]

thanks for sharing this information

[@marybarbera]

thank you for watching! if you have not watched my free workshops you can find them here bit.ly/2ELvSnM

[@simonejoseph-harper2152]

Hey can you do a video on joint attention? I am now binge watching your videos and haven’t come across that one as yet. Thanks as usual for your wonderful and informative videos!

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for the tip!! Try searching shoebox Mary Barbera. Also my free workshops may help. All my techniques for learners promote joint attention bit.ly/2ELvSnM

[@jujuel.978]

Thank you for your information! Just I am asking if these steps for improving pointing in your book the verbal behaviour approach or not ?

[@marybarbera]

I do have information on pointing in my book but I have a full bonus video on it in my toddler course. Learn more by taking my new quiz www.marybarbera.com/quiz

[@almag6524]

thanks, thanks a lot for this video

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for watching! If you haven't watched my free workshops you can find them here; bit.ly/2ELvSnM

[@sadafzahra9243]

Good work.... Keep it up ma'am.

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for watching!

[@melodyaquino9428]

Thank u for sharing

[@marybarbera]

My pleasure

[@neerajpandey5282]

Thank you so much madam

[@marybarbera]

You are most welcome

[@vprovenzale]

Thank you ❤

[@marybarbera]

Glad I helped! Thank you for watching!

[@samidhasingh8842]

Hi. You make really nice videos and thanks a ton for motivating us. My 23 m niece points to pictures in a book/card and has recently learned to point at light and fan. But she does a lot of hand leading for all the things that she wants. What next measures can we adopt to teach her to point things she wants?

[@marybarbera]

Good question. Check out my free workshop www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@munzarinraian3649]

Same here with my son, Can you please help me?

[@mohitsekhawat634]

​@@munzarinraian3649how's your baby now

[@mohitsekhawat634]

​@@munzarinraian3649how's your baby now

[@hannahleesbrain]

Great video! What is the name of the video with the shoebox? Another one of your videos mentions using a shoebox.

[@marybarbera]

Thank you! You can search for the video by searching marybarbera.com/shoebox

[@stevenblubridge7317]

thank you!

[@marybarbera]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@nadzab8895]

Thank you so much for the advice.. May I please ask how is Adam doing now and where is he in comparison with "typically developed" people?

[@marybarbera]

he is happy and healthy and reaching his fullest potential.

[@nadzab8895]

@@marybarbera God bless

[@salvajegata2222]

This is great video! I just want to say to all moms don' t worry if your children at age 16 months don't do some things, after some months all can be different. When my son turned 16 months I made this mchat for autism and the result was moderate possibility, he point at 16 months but he didn't do something else and after when was like 19 to 20 months he did all except speech only few words he speak at this time I still don' t know if it autism because still speak only maybe 12 words now 2 , 8 year but he still make progress, we are bilingual family and he understand already two languages but I want only to say sometimes after 2 months baby will do so many milestones is better to make test near 20 months in my opinion, good luck to everybody

[@marybarbera]

That is great to hear .

[@breannenyquist]

If anyone is worried about pointing, I was so worried about my guy and pointing. He turned 17 months and then finally started pointing and had a bunch of words come. He’s almost 20 months and completely caught up :)

[@breannenyquist]

I watched this video when my guy wasn’t pointing

[@marybarbera]

That is wonderful!

[@glshgkk]

My girl is 18 and not pointing thngs she cant reach. She just tries to lead me. But she points objects on her books, butterflies on carpets, my nose, ears anything close to her. I hope mine starts pointing soon so that i could stop worrying. Very happy your son did. Good for him. I wish the same for my girl

[@breannenyquist]

@@glshgkk have you noticed she points with her whole hand? I know it is very stressful I remember it too well.

[@glshgkk]

@@breannenyquist no. She just raises her arms so that i take her in to my arms. Then she just moves her body back and forth to lead me there.

[@mrsanonymous414]

Hi again!! I would like your point of view... my sis lacks notable autistic traits even tho she is diagnosed and lower functioning. She doesn’t have sensory issues, she speaks well, she makes eye contact, she doesn’t have a schedule, she can handle change... what does this mean for her? I just find it strange because when I research those things are always the focus and so I’m led to believe she isn’t like the majority (and generally I can’t find articles on whatever compelled me to research). Also, she refuses to read or write it is so boring to her, won’t even look at a book, how do I change that?

[@QuirkyKristy]

What were the traits which were concerning ?

[@kashifraja80]

Hello, thank you for the video My daughter is 17 months old, she says words like loads, heard her count to 10 and alphabets etc, copies the words i say, responds to her name, waves bye bye etc, she can sit however not for long during reading books, eye contact is normally decent, smiles back etc However some of the things i am worried about pointing is one of them, she rarely points at things, even if I put the water cup in front of during eating time, she wont point or ask for it, she is happy to interact but same time she will be happy to play on her own and keep herself busy and talk on her own I am concerned is there anything i need to worry about and how can I help pointing? Etc or what other activities I can do help her develop?

[@millersville15]

When can I start the exercise? My baby is 12 month old and pediatrician told us to look closely to see if she begins pointing at objects and waving. She only sometimes waves back to us when we wave at her but not spontaneously.

[@marybarbera]

You can start it anytime!

[@kkaur1154]

Hi Mary I’ve a 4 year old with speech delay he didn’t talk until 3 but now he’s using 2-3 words together he’s improving every day he started to point when he was 3 year old he used to hand lead us like your son he’s was under early intervention when he was 18 months because I was concerned that he’s not walking yet but when he started to walk at 20 months old he never fell he was always aware of his dangers since he started to improve he never stopped he used to like spinning but not for long time can be distracted fairly easily but don’t do it anymore we have never seen any meltdown he got tantrums very little Since he started to improve he never stopped but he’s not diagnosed with anything yet his special needs teacher at school says he has came leaps and bound he’s potty trained at 3 and half year he learned sign language aswell but now he’s using words He loves to see people’s reaction like if you drop something and say oops silly mummy he will laugh and he will give a good eye contact If I ask him point to apple he will point to banana and he will look at my face to see my reaction if I say no it’s not apple he will giggle this is what he do with his teachers aswell He do put fingers in his ear but not because of noise he do that if his cartoon characters like peppa pig or her friends are in trouble He’s always happy to see new people and places he love children playing and he will go to them but don’t know how to play with them he do like to flap arms and tense his body when he’s excited but it’s gone less He do pretend play but he stated to do pretend play when he was 2 years and 2 months but now he looks in mirror and talk to himself He had lots of traits of autism but his improved a lot Is it a development delay or autism It’s very hard as nobody says anything his speech therapist,paediatrician,school says wait and watch until he’s 5 Yours videos are very helpful for me

[@marybarbera]

It is difficult for me to say for sure. That being said, if you are concerned I would not wait and I'd push for a full developmental evaluation.

[@kalyanich6114]

Kully Kaur Hi how is your son doing now?

[@TerrannotOP]

Love reading stories like this, hope your son and family are doing well

[@kkaur1154]

@@TerrannotOP hi he’s doing very well we did gf cf diet then we put him on gaps diet he’s improving everyday very slow progress

[@TerrannotOP]

@@kkaur1154 was he diagnosed?

[@aegee4844]

Can you say when the skill of using the index finger for pointing definitely emerges. Is using the whole hand outstretched considered pointing at 12 months?

[@marybarbera]

That's a good sign but we'd want to see index finger pointing by 18 months at the latest.

[@TerrannotOP]

My son is 19 months old, just recently points index finger but only when asking him questions in a book. "where's the dog? where's the cat, where's the bus...etc" He's still saying words without association or meaning, Used to be 6 on Mchat R he's now at about 4. Day care starts on Monday.

[@marybarbera]

Good luck at daycare. My new book can help you get things started whether it is autism or not. check it out at turnautismaround.com

[@georgianaaron4986]

Can you do a video on kids not reacting to praise?

[@anavenegas7826]

Thank you I gonna practice this . I have 2 teens with severe Autism 🙋‍♀️

[@halimakamaluddin9337]

Hi Mary ! Thank u sooo much for ur very very important information . I'm the mama of 4 1/2 years old very handsome boy ! He was diagnose with autism and mintal handicap in age of 3 . His IQ was 49 in that time . And from that time he is going to special school and also I'm working ABA therapy with him at home . He has lots of problems he is still nonverbal, but if u compare him whit 2 years ago he is completely changed he is responding to his name , he can follow the direction when u point with ur finger ... my question is , can we do the IQ test for him every year to see the changes ? or once we did it , when he was 2 1/2 that is permanent? I will be very happy if you answer me . Than you so much once again

[@marybarbera]

You can do an IQ test more than once. Also check out my free workshops here : marybarbera.com/workshops

[@halimakamaluddin9337]

Thank u so much

[@halimakamaluddin9337]

Can I do this IQ test online ? Or it will be better to do it with specialist ?

[@marybarbera]

You should find a specialist in your area.

[@halimakamaluddin9337]

Thank you so much for replying once again. I have a request ! If it is possible to make a video about ADOS 2 , I will be very happy, because my son has ADOS 2 . PLEASE

[@tonyatownsend4900]

What does it mean when a toddler is pointing and touching both index fingers together?

[@marybarbera]

It seems like they are just pointing but not isolating the index finger which is not necessarily concerning.

[@tonyatownsend4900]

@@marybarbera Thank you! Have a blessed day!

[@samira6950]

Just showed to 1 mom . Thanks lot

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@UchihaSumairu]

I know its still early but my son is 16 months and I worry for him. I'm sure its fine but he regressed a little (waving is an example) on some things. He also doesn't point and leads your hand to objects. He rarely makes eye contact and doesn't really respond to his name (though he knows it) and often will respond to other noises. The only time he does point is playing the "I'm dada you're Mickey" game. He does it in reverse though and says "da" when pointing to himself and "kah" when pointing at me. He looks at objects when handing them to us and waits for us to do something or for the object to make it's noise . He does love books and his favorite things are thrills like fake falling or being tossed above you. he'll laugh and smile for a long time. He started giving kisses to a couple of his toys recently. He will still blow kisses when someone leaves (sometimes) though he has completely stopped waving goodbye at this point but he used to be very good at this. I'm the father and I work a lot so I'm here less than his mother. I'm sure she knows better but can't stop someone with anxiety from worrying! lol. She gets frustrated with me when I mention we should at least entertain the idea so we can practice things with him to get back on track. the regression and lack of pointing/eye contact worries me the most. I figure even if he's just behind slightly it doesn't hurt to practice these things with him. Perhaps I just shouldn't use the "A" word.

[@marybarbera]

Yes. Google autism dad Mary Barbera as I did a podcast with my husband and he talked about this. I also have a new book that offers techniques regardless of if it is autism . Check out turnautismaround.com

[@TerrannotOP]

My son is doing the exact at 18 months, how is he now? He regressed when his sister was born 4 months ago. Doesn't wave anymore

[@UchihaSumairu]

@@TerrannotOP still a lot of the same but he seems like hes mimicking a lot more and he definitely knows a lot of words. He doesnt speak them in association with their meaning that often though he just babbles them usually. We know for sure he knows them because when he is willing to pay attention to a person and you ask him something "where is your sippy?" "Can you help daddy carry this?" Hell do it. Hell also complete a chant sometimes "1... 2... 3" or "ready? Set? GO!". Most of the things i worry about remain especially not responding if you try and get his attention when hes doing something repetitive. Im starting to feel more confident he ISNT but he definitely still has a lot of the signs and i hate waiting for 2 years of age for his pediatrician to recommend we seek help lol Also he still refuses to wave byby or hi or blow kisses anymore like he did when he was much younger

[@TerrannotOP]

@@UchihaSumairu I also think your son Isnt. hope your 2 year eval goes well. When we turned off the tv he started to become more interactive, we are sending him to day care regardless of the pandemic, maybe he just need some social interaction. He reaches with a full hand instead if index finger (super rare with his index but he does), turns around for his name (sometimes), babbles with words without meaning. He sometimes runs while moving one arm from side to side (not sure of this is a form of stimming) when he is happy. The acknowledges everyone in the room all the time and wants to play with them, he is just distant from his baby sister; however, he does show affection towards her on rare occasion (kissing her, putting on her pacifier). We havent seen him with new kids because of covid so he just socialize with one cousin and he just barely started playing with her.

[@Gachaqueen15]

How is your little one now?

[@m.esmeraldacaceres3171]

What about preemies? Studies show that most or many preemies have sensory processing disorders etc and they catch up but later than those born full term, especially those born before week 33, but they also have w higher risk of having autism. It would be nice to hear about this topic.

[@marybarbera]

Google mary barbera + topic

[@m.esmeraldacaceres3171]

@@marybarbera I had done that before but nothing came out that's why I asked you here. Thanks anyway.

[@ereka333]

we are awaiting diagnosis for my 2 year old. She has many red flags so I'm prepared for the diagnosis. No name response, no pointing, hand flapping and jumping Stims, no words or receptive language, she also does the hand leading when she wants things... It's been hard trying to find help during the pandemic. Currently in Early Intervention in our state and doing speech and occupational therapies

[@marybarbera]

I hope the evaluation goes smoothly. My online courses can help you help her! check out a free workshop www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@deolasdiaries1412]

How is she now?

[@ereka333]

@@deolasdiaries1412 she was diagnosed at age 3. She’s done a few different therapies and picks up new words everyday! Still not conversational just yet but we’re making progress

[@mamatwins2730]

Hello, ma’am. My son turn 11 months 3 days ago, he doesn’t point or wave yet, he clap, have great eye contact, respond to his name, says mama, dada , papa and yes, loves interacting with other kids and adults. Should I be worried that he isn’t waving or point yet?

[@marybarbera]

The CDC has helpful milestone checklists that can help you gauge whether or not your son is on track developmentally: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-9mo.html

[@glshgkk]

Hi. My baby girl is18 months old. She is pointng objects on books on the floor etc. with index finger. But does not point to remote objects like a cookie on the table or a bird. Should i be concerned?

[@glshgkk]

Pls respond i am getting more worried every second:(

[@marybarbera]

It is hard to say without knowing the whole picture but it is a good sign she is pointing to some things.

[@glshgkk]

She finally started pointing a few weeks ago and i am so relieved. I guess she didnt do it before because of the lack of exposure. After i watch this video i pointed a lot. I mean really a lot. I even made a song with pointing near objects. Thanks to your video and my practicing she can do both types of pointing now. Thank you very much for the informative video

[@QuirkyKristy]

@@glshgkk thanks for sharing your experience. Will try doing the same for my child

[@glshgkk]

@@QuirkyKristy ı also placed some stickers of her interest on the refrigerater and when she touched them with index finger, i slowly moved back so that her finger remain still pointing for a few secs. This one also helped. And also touching bubbles with index finger was a good practice for us.

[@RedSoxBowHunter]

Our child 2 years points at what he wants and when he wants mama to come Into the room but his speech is delayed he has had 16 ear infections and tubes which fell out ... my partner thinks autism I see nothing wrong any ideas

[@marybarbera]

google mary barbera mchat and make sure to take that screener.

[@dijackson6203]

Interesting. My daughter has been diagnosed autistic and was late to do either type of pointing... Though she did love to point to things in books (e.g. If we asked "where's the x?") early and often, and would even E.g. "pick" food items out of books and pretend to eat it or give it to us before well before she was pointing to ask for things. Is that yet another type of point, or a subset of declarative?

[@marybarbera]

yes! there are two types. Pointing to request and pointing to show.

[@Winter_Dream]

My 15 month old points both as request and to show us things, but she's never had good eye contact and never responds to her name although she can show sign of annoyance when we call it so it's like she chooses to ignore us. She babbles all the time but does not say mama :( We had her seen at 12 months suspecting autism but they just said they don't think she is autistic because she interacts (brings us objects), but I just feel like there is definitely something there since I am unable to get her to look at me.

[@marybarbera]

it sounds like she has some good skills. Try taking the mchat when she is 18 months.

[@dmpls84]

Your child sounds so much like my 19 mos daughter. She points to request and show us things, babbles a ton (it's like she's speaking her own language), and brings us items, but she hardly responds to her name and eye contact is inconsistent. If I may ask, how is your child? How was the evaluation?

[@Winter_Dream]

@@dmpls84 She's almost 19 months now, the evaluation is practically stalled, every time we go talk to them she shuts down and just clings to us and closes her eyes, she's been absolutely terrified of strangers since she was about 12 months old and it's not letting up anytime soon it seems. I'm going there again tomorrow and will push more for help, she still doesn't say many words but she does kind of say mama now, along with some phrases in Norwegian ("look there", "this one"). Still babbles a lot, and she definitely understands a lot, we ask her to point at things and she will find them instantly. The mchat puts her at moderate risk of autism, because she still does not have good eye contact and she will only respond to her name in probably 50% of the time. She does pretend to drink from empty cups, and can drive a car around while saying brrr, so I am just not sure what to think, whether she's on the spectrum or if it's just her personality. She also has a really bad temper and will tantrum at practically nothing, sleep is also a major issue and has been since the start.

[@subirdas267]

Mamm i am form india My 2.3 year baby not pointing but eye contact very good, speach also problem . Some out top reach ite he hand pulling and held then eye contact through pointing how cause,? But very active

[@Ajay.sekhawat]

How's your baby now

[@Ausbrahdave]

Mine uses the middle finger at 20 months really difficult to get her to change wirh bad receptive skills.

[@marybarbera]

I understand! But, it can be done! Using Poke-a-Dot books by Melissa and Doug are a great way to start. Learn more about how I can help by joining a free workshop: MaryBarbera.com/workshop.

[@DA-kd8lg]

What happens if they don't point at 2 years old but by 3 they do both types of pointing. My son was diagnosed after a 50 min session with a doctor last week but non of the people that see him on a daily and weekly basis have concerns. Like his school teacher, speech patholigst or her behavioral consultant that we hired recently. Am not convinced he is autistic, could he be developmentally delayed?

[@marybarbera]

Not pointing by 2 is very concerning. Ultimately without knowing him I don't know but just keep getting him help and support . Check out a free workshop here www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@TerrannotOP]

Hows your child now?

[@DA-kd8lg]

@@TerrannotOP Much better than when i wrote that. We hired a BI to come to the house

[@QuirkyKristy]

@@DA-kd8lg does he have/had any other autistic traits?

[@KavithaKavi-tf5fq]

@@DA-kd8lg hai i recently saw your comment.my child also does pointing at the age3 so iam very scared.iwant to know your son's eye contact and social interaction at the beginning. I mean before therapy. Now your son speech is improved? Please 🙏🙏🙏 reply me 🙏🙏🙏❤️♥️ and

[@chandrikapuree2756]

My baby is 23 month old. He holds others hand to get his desired object or wanna go out. But never point by index finger. Is it ok

[@marybarbera]

At that age you would certainly want to see pointing. Listen to my podcast on early detection at marybarbera. Com/2

[@tanujatewatia1987]

Chandrika puree hows ur son now...does he speak..

[@Mykids495]

Hello, how is your kids now my son is seem like yours, please can you tell me?😭😭😭

[@mohitsekhawat634]

​@@Mykids495how's your baby now

[@NatChavez]

@@Mykids495how’s your child now?

[@athib1982]

What about just pointing to everything? Me, his dad, the tree, the light switch? I just don’t know if he is pointing to just point or is this pointing with purpose?

[@marybarbera]

It is a good sign he is pointing. If there are other autism red flags, pointing doesn't necessarily rule out that it may be autism but it is a good sign!

[@thinkvision1607]

What if no pointing and no hand leading? My son does it on his own and gets frustrated when he can't do it. He's good at mimicking and smiles back. He plays with me like "pass the car" back to me. Likes chasing game and looks at us when we are eating. looks at me to see my reaction. He has delayed in communication, and he speaks few works less than 10 clear works. He can pronounce few alphabets. And he always wants to be picked-up. He's 22 months now. He sometimes, respond to his name especially when eating time because he roams around while eating.

[@marybarbera]

Join a free workshop: MaryBarbera.com/workshops

[@mohitsekhawat634]

How's your baby now

[@mohitachaudhary2085]

Thanks for teaching this. my son is about to turn 5 and he start pointing. But problem is that if there is no moon in sky still he point to sky for moon.

[@marybarbera]

I would recommend you check out my free video workshops. These will get you on the path to fixing this type of language issue marybarbera.com/workshops

[@amuworld3948]

Does pointing comes natural to kids even if parents have never pointed at anything infront of them not even in books or fans nothing..will child know do it?

[@marybarbera]

yes.

[@kkj7483]

Hi my kid is 13 months old she is pointing to pics of animals on wall .wn I say wr is dog she points and touches the dog pic on wall is it considered as pointing .she follows my pointing wn I say wr is fan she looks up and shows her hands towards fan is it also considered as pointing.she also follows my pointing.plz reply I am very much worried .she has some stimming .she sits on floor and spins herself round some times

[@marybarbera]

It sounds like she is doing well with pointing!

[@kkj7483]

Thank you for ur reply really appreciate it but she is not pointing to her needs like pointing towards water or pointing towards food etc .

[@Nihongo_101]

Hi! My son doesn't speak yet and doesn't point for his requests. He does the hand leading gesture. But, he already points to things on his books and things that he can touch. How can I teach him to point on things for his requests and those far away from him? Thank you so much for this video.

[@sofiprincess]

My 19 months old boy doesn't wave or point with fingers but share with adults the attention with his gaze. Look at object, then the adult and then the object again. Sometimes he looks the wind and look at me with a smile like showing me what he is watching. Anyway, I'm worried, he used to use the gesture "no" with the head and now less and less :/ He just says "mamma" and nothing else.

[@marybarbera]

Lack of pointing is certainly a red flag at this age. Check out my free workshop to find out how my courses can help regardless of diagnosis. Www.marybarbera.com/workshop

[@mohitsekhawat634]

How's your baby now

[@sofiprincess]

@@mohitsekhawat634 He is autistic! ASD level 2. Now he is 5 years old.

[@Ajay.sekhawat]

Does he speak?​@@sofiprincess

[@sofiprincess]

@@Ajay.sekhawat Very little. He has a gestalt language processing so there is a lot of echolalia in his speech. He also uses an AAC software (touch chat).

[@kkj7483]

Hi my daughter is 12 months old she is shaking her head every day .she is active she has good eye contact and she responds to her name.she speaks around 5 to 6 words .is head shaking sign of autism she is shaking her head 2 to 3 times every day

[@marybarbera]

a lot of kids stim but when it is not coupled with any social communication delays then it is likely not worrisome but I can't say for sure when I don't know a child.

[@gingersnap3024]

My 20 month old doesn't point but we don't do that very much. I think we should be doing it more so he learns. He does other gestures like reaching up and he gives us stuff all the time.

[@marybarbera]

That is great he has a couple gestures. Pointing is a significant milestone that occurs even without a lot of exposure generally. Try listening to my podcast on early intervention for more resources www.marybarbera.com/2

[@mohitsekhawat634]

How's your baby now

[@gingersnap3024]

@@mohitsekhawat634 he's five now and just started kindergarten. He's just a regular five year old, honestly. Some kids are just late with stuff I guess.

[@mohitsekhawat634]

@@gingersnap3024 thats nice and thanks for reply. My son doesn't point to show something he points with full hand for his needs many time just reaches.give us to open something. Can you tell me his speech and other symptoms when he was 20 months old.

[@gingersnap3024]

@@mohitsekhawat634 I took tv away for a long time and then when I brought it back it was only sesame street and then he started saying his ABCs. Now he talks non stop. My son used to be very shy about talking, I think he was feeling like we were putting a lot of pressure on him to talk and that made it worse. Create a safe space for your child and let them know that there's no pressure, make them feel like it's a safe space to learn at their own rate. Children are very aware and if we make a huge fuss about something they're learning to do, it might make it scary to them because they don't want to do the wrong thing. I hope that makes sense.

[@oluchiprecious3209]

I have a child of autism and his 7 year now but his problem is that he does not stay at a place

[@hamzataleb6002]

My son is 2 years old and still doesn't know how to point. He only grab my hand to the object he wants. Not sure how to make him point ?

[@QuirkyKristy]

Watch teachmetotalk videos on pointing on KZbin

[@mohitsekhawat634]

How's your baby now

[@oknpoet47]

Hand leading. That's what my son does.

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for watching. If you haven't yet check out my free workshops : marybarbera.com/workshops

[@TerrannotOP]

How is your son now

[@madhashali6398]

My two years old and have point with his middle finger most of the time and just some time with index finger but the most with middle finger is that normal please who know about this reply to me please

[@marybarbera]

I understand where you're coming from. I'd love it if you joined my online course, as you will definitely feel supported and helped there. For more info, join a free workshop here: www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@madhashali6398]

So what would happen if you just replied here with two words istead of all ur writing?!

[@ef7496]

My daughter doesn’t point or grab my hand for things .

[@TheLawrencelarson]

Should I consider pointing with her thumb a red flag for Autism if she speaks extremely well for her age? She will be 3 in May and pretty much only points with her thumb.

[@marybarbera]

You can teach her how to point with her index finger pretty easily with tablet games like "peek a boo barn" or Melissa and Doug's "poke a dot" books.

[@zaikhalid5216]

My son is 15 months old..doesn't say any word.he like to play a wheel of a car toy and keep on spinning it..he looks at the light and fan most of the time..he Do hand flapping and doesn't response to his name...he don't do eye contact too..he is scared of people.he cry if some will touch him..although a lot of sign of austim I'm still hoping that's it's not..before I keept him on TV whole day so I was thinking that's the reason why he is late..note: no one try to play with him even his father very rare also he see his aunties and cousins...in short he is alone all the time..now its been 4 days no screen and I gave him more time..I hope he will get better

[@marybarbera]

Keeping our children engaged for a much of the day as possible is how we help them gain important skills. If you're looking for further guidance on how to effectively engage your child, my online toddler course could be very beneficial to you! Visit www.marybarbera.com/workshops for more information.

[@NatChavez]

How’s your son now?

[@mohitsekhawat634]

How's your son now

[@MrShru]

Hello my son is 16 month old dont point things, but puts he hands out to carry , stretch his arm for help, comes and give me a toy. Should i need to worry?

[@marybarbera]

That is good he has some gestures. Does he have other delays? Regardless of diagnosis, if there is a delay, I can help. check out www.marybarbera.com/workshops for a free workshop.

[@MrShru]

@@marybarberaHe laughs when play peeka a boo, plays hide and seek with elder brother and smile back when we smile.crawling walking all was in time. Good eye contact. Good in both fine and gross motor skills. Only two things i am worried about not responding to his name and there is some regression in skills like at 15 months he was doing some actions on rhymes ,hi fi, and pray to God but suddenly forgot like never knew it. What should i do?

[@darkEMPIRE069]

@@MrShru same problem with my daughter. Dr says she is ok .only speach delay

[@darkEMPIRE069]

She is 21month old .

[@MrShru]

@@darkEMPIRE069 @DARK EMPIRE Still worried because he has all sort of non verbal communication except pointing and listening to his name.

[@rachelarcher1152]

My daughter is 19 months and uses every gesture apart from index finger pointing! She has fantastic speech, waves, brings toys to us, asks to be lifted, blows kisses, whatever - she just doesn't finger point! She reaches for what she wants or brings interesting items to us. We don't really point either to be honest! Are the times where a child can CHOOSE not to finger point if they have found alternative ways of communicating/getting what they want?

[@marybarbera]

If they are pointing or reaching with a full hand then this is a good sign.

[@QuirkyKristy]

@@marybarbera thank you. I was worried about the same thing for my 21 month old boy. He doesn't point with one finger, he whole hand points and reaches for the things he wants. He follows my point correctly.

[@mohitsekhawat634]

​@@QuirkyKristyhow's your baby now

[@QuirkyKristy]

@@mohitsekhawat634 he is 3.7 years old now and has speech(language delay). Taking therapy and going to playschool and getting better with speech. He is ahead and very good in many things like reading words/sentences, excellent memory, knows concept of counting and knows numbers 0-100, uppercase and lowercase letters, started writing (circles, letters) recently too. He doesn't have any sensory issues. He has echolalia which is reducing as we see his speech getting better. And he still doesn't point with one single finger (except occasionally/rarely )

[@mohitsekhawat634]

@@QuirkyKristy that's great and thanks for reply. You last comment was 1 year old that time your son was 21 months and now he should be 3 year old.

[@mahammadtaha5833]

Mam may son is 2.3 year old he regress in his speech but he still points thing show us interesting things throw pointing is it autisum?

[@marybarbera]

Any regression of skills is a possible red flag for autism and I would bring your concerns to his pediatrician asap. Learn more about how I can help you here: MaryBarbera.com/workshop.

[@mahammadtaha5833]

@@marybarbera mam what do you think about virtual autism ?can regrastion is possible because of screen time

[@nj0991]

Is the pointing skill has to be modelled by parents? I mean if parents don’t teach to point kids will not learn right? Someone have to teach them. Just my question

[@marybarbera]

Yes, most behaviors are learned through imitation, but children with developmental delays may have imitation issues. Thus, if your child isn't pointing, you can absolutely teach it!

[@nj0991]

@@marybarbera We haven’t do any pointing I think. More conversations than gestures always. That could be the reason why he isn’t doing it either. He does clapping when he is happy, waving to say bye, Hi five, nodding to show disagreement, raising hands to lift him up, picking our hands to show what he want us to see and perfect in all motor and social activities. Only this one gesture is lagging or not developed.

[@Ajay.sekhawat]

How's your son now

[@elizabethmathieson8725]

👈👇☝️ 👍👍👍 ✌️

[@shrii1857]

A suggestion, plz limit the talking factor and come straight to the point .

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@melodyaquino9428]

Thank u for sharing

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for watching!