ASHA CEU Course #404 Joint Attention and Turn Taking in Very Young Children with Autism…The Autism Podcast Series

Join pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP of teachmetotalk.com for this podcast, ASHA CEU Course #404 Joint Attention and Turn Taking in Very Young Children with Autism…The Autism Podcast Series, for CE credit for therapists as we discuss joint attention and turn taking in very young children with autism or red flags for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Do you recognize these behaviors in the young children you treat?

• Is it difficult for a child to stop, listen, and respond to you when he’s busy with something else?
• When you point to something to show your child, does he continue what he’s doing, rather than look?
• When you bring out a child’s favorite food, a preferred toy, or some kind of screen, do you seem to disappear because your child becomes intently focused on the item and no longer looks at you?
• Do you have to work hard to get her to play a little game with you like “Peek A Boo” or giving kisses? Does she stop after one or two rounds instead of keeping it going?
• Does she seem to ignore you when you try to get her to make a choice or try to respond to your questions, even without words?

If you answered yes to these questions, a child you’re working with has difficulty with joint attention and turn taking. Kids who have difficulty with joint attention and turn taking miss hundreds of opportunities each day to learn language. When we prioritize these skills as goals, we begin to see changes in other areas of communication too!

In this course, learn how joint attention and turn taking are related, important prelinguistic components for developing language skills in toddlers and young preschoolers with autism. We’ll begin by defining both joint attention and turn taking and then discuss how joint attention and turn taking differ in kids with autism or red flags for autism. Learn five questions to ask parents to identify these issues in toddlers. Lastly, we’ll examine four specific strategies to teach parents to help a child strengthen joint attention and turn taking skills. 

• Determine where breakdown in joint attention occurs and teach that specific skill. Examples provided.
• To strengthen joint attention and turn taking skills during everyday routines introduce “Show Hold Give” routines. Examples discussed for diaper changes and getting a drink.
• Play early turn taking games with fast turns.
• Match a child’s turns during play.