Joint Attention
Definition: The ability for two or more people to share a common focus (Woods & Wetherby, 2008).
Definition taken from Sherri Fickenscher & Dan Salvucci
Chapter 7 – Listening And Spoken Language Strategies
EXAMPLE:
Therapist: "Wow, I love how you are stacking the blocks so nicely!"
Child: "up-up-up!" UH-OH! fell!"
Therapist: "Oh man! The blocks all fell down"
Explanation:
This is a very easy strategy to incorporate into your sessions. Everything you do (almost) encompasses joint attention! Playing with them, narrating what they do and engaging in any type of conversation about what the both of you are focusing on is a way to practice incorporating this into your sessions. By doing this, you are building the foundation for them to engage in play, converse, and have an interest in their peers.
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