# Therapy techniques for not pointing to show things

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-therapy-techniques-help-a-child-with-not-pointing-to-show-things
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

Absent protodeclarative pointing is supported through naturalistic developmental-behavioural therapy that builds joint attention and gesture: JASPER-style routines, gesture modelling with graduated prompting, milieu teaching, pivotal response, and parent-mediated coaching. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

*When a child does not yet point to share a discovery, targeted therapy can help that powerful little gesture emerge — and with it, a whole new channel of connection.*

## In short
Protodeclarative pointing — pointing simply to *share* interest rather than to request — is a key joint-attention milestone, typically emerging around 12–15 months. Where it is absent, the most effective therapy techniques are **naturalistic developmental-behavioural interventions** that build the underlying joint-attention and social-communication scaffolding: joint-attention routines, gesture modelling and prompting, milieu teaching, and parent-mediated coaching. The goal is not the isolated gesture but the *social intent* behind it — directing another person's attention to share an experience.

## The techniques that help
- **Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement and Regulation (JASPER)-style routines** — structured play that establishes shared engagement, then systematically targets coordinated joint looks, showing and pointing within motivating activities.
- **Gesture modelling with graduated prompting** — modelling the point yourself, then using hand-over-hand or partial physical prompts that fade to gestural and then natural cues, reinforcing any approximation of showing or pointing.
- **Naturalistic milieu teaching** — arranging the environment so the child has reason to direct your attention (interesting objects just out of reach, surprising events), then capturing and expanding the communicative moment.
- **Pivotal Response and incidental teaching** — following the child's lead and motivation, reinforcing spontaneous bids for shared attention.
- **Parent-mediated intervention** — coaching caregivers in responsive commenting, contingent following-in on the child's focus, and high-frequency low-pressure opportunities through the day, since generalisation depends on everyday routines.
- **AAC and multimodal scaffolding** where appropriate — pairing gesture with eye-gaze, vocalisation or simple symbols so the social-referencing function develops even while the precise gesture is forming.

Sequence matters: secure shared engagement and responding to others' pointing before expecting initiated protodeclarative pointing.

## When to refer
Absent pointing-to-share, limited gaze-shifting, and reduced response to name beyond 15–18 months warrant a developmental-communication evaluation, as these are early social-communication markers worth profiling rather than waiting out. Refer for a structured assessment to differentiate a focused communication delay from a broader developmental picture and to set a precise baseline.

## The Pinnacle way
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. From a clinician-administered [AbilityScore® profile](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated), the team builds a joint-attention and gesture plan, often led through [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) with parent coaching woven in. Explore more on early [communication](/) milestones and how each plan is shaped to the child.

## Trusted sources
ASHA guidance on early social communication and joint attention; CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone resources on gesture development; American Academy of Pediatrics developmental surveillance guidance via HealthyChildren.org.

**Next step —** Want a precise baseline and a gesture-building plan? [Book a developmental communication assessment with a Pinnacle clinician](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate).

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- ASHA — early social communication and joint attention: https://www.asha.org
- CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development
- AAP — HealthyChildren.org developmental guidance: https://www.healthychildren.org

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Behaviours: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/behaviours
- Therapist: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/therapist
- Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication
- Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support
- Plan: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/plan
- Speech Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/speech-therapy
- Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment

## Related question paths

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Absent Pointing to Show: A Clinician's Signs Guide: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-developmental-conditions-can-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-child-point-to
- When should a doctor investigate not pointing to show things in a young child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-a-doctor-investigate-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-young-child
- Can Not Pointing To Show Things Be an Early Sign of a Developmental Concern?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-not-pointing-to-show-things-be-an-early-sign-of-a-developmental-concern
- Should a frontline worker refer a child not pointing to show things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-a-frontline-worker-refer-a-child-showing-not-pointing-to-show-things
- Should I worry about not pointing to show things in a 1-year-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-i-worry-about-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-1-year-old
- When should I worry about not pointing to show things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-about-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-my-child

### Explore causes & influences
- What causes not pointing to show things in young children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-young-children
- Why a 1-Year-Old May Not Point to Show Things: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-1-year-old

### Explore therapy & support
- How therapy addresses a child not pointing to show things: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-therapy-address-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-child
- 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
- How should a teacher respond to not pointing to show things in a young child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-should-a-teacher-respond-to-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-young-child
- Can Not Pointing To Show Things Be a Sign of Autism?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-not-pointing-to-show-things-be-a-sign-of-autism
- Do children usually outgrow not pointing to show things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-children-usually-outgrow-not-pointing-to-show-things
- How can a teacher support a 1-year-old who isn't pointing to show things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-teacher-support-a-1-year-old-who-shows-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-class
- How should a frontline worker respond to a child not pointing to show things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-should-a-frontline-worker-respond-to-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-child
- Is Not Pointing To Show Things Normal?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-not-pointing-to-show-things-a-normal-part-of-child-development
- What makes not pointing to show things worse in a child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-makes-not-pointing-to-show-things-worse-in-a-child
- What other behaviours often occur with Not Pointing To Show Things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-behaviours-often-occur-with-not-pointing-to-show-things

### At home & in everyday life
- How to Help a Young Child Who Isn't Pointing to Show Things: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-help-a-young-child-with-not-pointing-to-show-things
- How do I handle not pointing to show things in a 1-year-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-do-i-handle-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-1-year-old