Therapists Register For This Course #487 Develop Joint Attention and Turn Taking: The NEW Autism Podcast Series

Description

In this episode of The NEW Autism Podcast Series, pediatric speech-language pathologist Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP from teachmetotalk.com dives into Joint Attention and Turn Taking for autistic toddlers and preschoolers. Both skills are foundational for helping autistic toddlers and preschoolers learn from other people, build relationships, and become more interactive communicators. In this episode, Laura explains what joint attention REALLY looks like…and why it’s much more than simply getting a child to look at the same toy or make eye contact.

You’ll learn how to:

• Recognize true joint attention versus simply playing alongside a child
• Look for meaningful ways autistic children may share attention without requiring eye contact
• Identify early turn taking that happens long before a child begins using words
• Find the specific point where an interaction is breaking down
• Help a child notice and respond to another person
• Use fewer words, visual cues, movement, and meaningful actions to keep an interaction going
• Use Show—Hold—Give during everyday routines to naturally build joint attention and turn taking
• Begin with fast trading games and ultra-quick turns so sharing feels safe
• Join what already interests a child before trying to expand the play

For many autistic children, favorite toys, sensory experiences, music, movement, and special interests create the best openings for interaction. Rather than immediately redirecting a child away from what interests him, we can join his focus, become part of the experience, and then gradually expand what we share together.

Who This is For?

This episode is designed for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, developmental therapists, early intervention professionals, educators, and parents who want practical, strengths-based ways to support autistic toddlers and preschoolers.