# My child doesn't point at things — should I be worried? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-doesn-t-point-at-things-should-i-be-worried Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Pointing usually appears between 9 and 14 months and signals a child's wish to share and connect, the foundation of language. If a child is past their first birthday and not yet pointing, look at the whole communication picture — eye contact, name-response, babbling, gesturing — and arrange a friendly developmental check by 15–18 months. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. *When your little one reaches, babbles and plays but hasn't started pointing yet, it's natural to wonder — and gentle attention now is exactly the right instinct.* ## In short Pointing is one of the most important early communication milestones, and it usually appears between **9 and 14 months** of age. Most children point to ask for things first, and then — a little later — point to **share** something interesting with you ("look at that!"). If your child is past their first birthday and isn't yet pointing, it's worth gently observing the bigger picture and arranging a developmental check — not to alarm you, but because early support is wonderfully effective when it's helpful at all. ## Why pointing matters Pointing is a sign your child wants to *connect* and *share attention* — a foundation for language and social communication. There are two kinds, and both are worth watching for: - **Pointing to request** — reaching or pointing to get a biscuit, a toy, to be picked up. - **Pointing to share (joint attention)** — pointing at a dog or aeroplane just to show you, then looking back at your face to share the moment. This sharing kind is especially meaningful. Pointing rarely travels alone. Reassure yourself by looking at the *whole* communication picture: Does your child make eye contact and follow your gaze? Do they respond to their name? Do they babble, use gestures like waving or reaching up, bring you toys, or copy your actions? A warm, connected child who shows interest in people but is simply a little later to point is a very different picture from a child who shows several gaps together. ## When to seek a check Arrange a friendly developmental check if, by around **15–18 months**, your child: - isn't pointing to share or to request, - and shows little gaze-following, name-response, babbling or gesturing, - or if you feel their communication has stalled or stepped backwards. There's no need to wait and worry. A check at this age is simply good care — and very often it's reassuring. ## The Pinnacle way This is general guidance, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed **only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care**, never from an app or checklist. If a check is helpful, your child's communication is mapped through our [clinician-led structured assessment](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated), and any support is tailored through [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate). You can always start with a gentle look at where your child is on their journey at [Pinnacle Blooms Network](/). ## Trusted sources CDC milestone guidance notes pointing to show or request typically emerging around 12–18 months; the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) describes gestures and joint attention as key early communication signs; ASHA outlines how pointing and shared attention support language development. **Next step —** Past the first birthday and no pointing yet? [Book a warm developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) for reassurance and clarity. ## Sources - CDC — Developmental milestones (Learn the Signs. Act Early.): https://www.cdc.gov/child-development - AAP HealthyChildren.org — Early communication and gestures: https://www.healthychildren.org - ASHA — Communication milestones and joint attention: https://www.asha.org ## Connected topics and perspectives - Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication - Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Book Assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/book-assessment - Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity ## Related question paths ### Recognise signs & concerns - Not Pointing at 18 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-18-month-old-does-not-point-at-things-should-i-be-worried ### Explore therapy & support - When should my child start pointing at things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-my-child-start-pointing-at-things - What does it mean if my child doesn't point at things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-it-mean-if-my-child-doesn-t-point-at-things - Is Not Pointing To Show Things Normal?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-not-pointing-to-show-things-a-normal-part-of-child-development - What should I do if my child doesn't point at things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-should-i-do-if-my-child-doesn-t-point-at-things ### At home & in everyday life - Why does it matter that my child does not point?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-does-not-point-at-things-why-does-it-matter