social – sharing
What it means if your child isn't yet social sharing
If your toddler isn't yet showing social sharing — pointing to show you things, bringing toys over, or checking your face to share a moment — it most often means the skill is still developing, especially in younger toddlers. It is not a diagnosis. A gentle developmental screen is worthwhile because early, play-based support works very well at this age.
If you've noticed your toddler isn't yet offering you a toy or showing you their favourite thing, your watchfulness is exactly the right instinct — and it's a chance to support, not a cause for alarm.
In short
Social sharing — handing you a toy, pointing to show you something interesting, or looking back to check you're sharing the moment — usually emerges between about 12 and 24 months. If your toddler isn't yet doing this, it most often means the skill is still developing, especially in younger toddlers. It is not a diagnosis. It simply means a gentle developmental check is worthwhile, because early, playful support works beautifully at this age.What to watch (12–36 months)
Shared social moments build slowly. By around 18 months, many toddlers begin to show and point to share (not just to request). Worth a clinician's friendly eye if your child:- Rarely points to show you things, or doesn't bring objects over to share
- Seldom looks back at your face to share enjoyment or check your reaction
- Doesn't follow your point or your gaze to look where you're looking
- Shows little shared smiling, give-and-take play, or interest in other people
- Has lost a sharing skill they clearly had before — this always deserves prompt review
Remember a single missing skill at 14 months means something very different from several together at 30 months. Context, age and the whole picture matter.
The science
Social sharing reflects joint attention — the early foundation for language, play and connection. Tools like the M-CHAT-R/F gently screen these patterns in toddlers, but a screen is a conversation-starter, never a verdict. Most children who are a little behind here catch up well with responsive, play-based interaction at home and, where helpful, structured support.The Pinnacle way
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care. Our therapists build social sharing through joyful, everyday play. Learn more about social sharing and how our speech therapy team supports early connection and communication.Trusted sources
CDC "Learn the Signs, Act Early" milestones; American Academy of Pediatrics guidance (healthychildren.org) on social-emotional development and screening; WHO Nurturing Care framework on early childhood development.Next step — Trust what you've noticed. Book a developmental screen with a Pinnacle clinician for clarity and a warm, strengths-based plan.
What to watch
By around 18–24 months, seek a friendly developmental check if your toddler rarely points to show you things, doesn't bring objects over to share, seldom looks back at your face to share enjoyment, doesn't follow your point or gaze, shows little give-and-take play — or has lost a sharing skill they once had.
Try this at home
During play, narrate and pause: hold up a toy, look from the toy to your child's eyes and back, then wait. These little 'showing' moments invite your child to share attention with you, the building block of social sharing.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 540 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
At what age should my toddler start social sharing?
Social sharing — showing you toys, pointing to share interest, checking your face — usually emerges between about 12 and 24 months. Younger toddlers are often still developing it, so the age and whole picture matter more than any single moment.
Does not social sharing mean my child has autism?
No. A missing skill is not a diagnosis. Reduced social sharing can be one of several things a clinician looks at, but many toddlers simply need a little more time and playful support. A gentle screen helps tell the difference.
What can I do at home to encourage social sharing?
Use simple 'show and wait' play: hold up a toy, look from it to your child's eyes and back, then pause. Celebrate any pointing, giving or shared smiling. Face-to-face, give-and-take games build the habit of sharing attention.
When should I book a developmental check?
If by around 18–24 months your child rarely points to show, doesn't bring things to share, or has lost a skill they once had — or if you simply feel something is off — arrange a screen. Earlier observation means earlier, easier support.