YOUR QUESTION. A CLEARER NEXT STEP.
Why does my child not point to show me things?
Children usually begin pointing to share things they find interesting between 12 and 16 months — a skill called joint attention. Many ordinary reasons explain a delay, but if a child isn't pointing to show by 16–18 months, doesn't follow your point, or loses skills, a general developmental check is wise. This is reassurance and observation, never a diagnosis.
In this answer 5 sections
Pointing is one of the earliest ways a child says "look at this with me" — so when it's missing, it's worth gently understanding why.
In short
Most children begin pointing to show or share things they find interesting between 12 and 16 months — this is called joint attention, and it's a building block for language and social connection. If your child doesn't point yet, there are many ordinary reasons (they may gesture differently, lead you by the hand, or simply be a little later), but persistent absence of showing-pointing is worth a developmental check. This is not a diagnosis — it's a signal to observe and, if it lingers, to assess calmly.
Why showing-pointing matters
There are two kinds of pointing. Requesting (pointing to get something) and showing (pointing just to share "look at this!"). The showing kind is the social one — it tells us a child wants to bring you into their world. Common, everyday reasons a child may not point yet include:
- They share interest in other ways — bringing objects to you, vocalising, or making eye contact then glancing at a toy
- They lead you by the hand to what they want instead of pointing
- They are an early-talker who skips ahead, or a quieter observer who is simply on the later side of typical
- A hearing difficulty making it harder to tune into your voice and shared attention
What we like to see alongside pointing is the whole package of joint attention: following your gaze, showing and giving objects, looking back at your face to check you're sharing the moment, and responding to their name.
When to have it checked
Book a general developmental check if, by around 16–18 months, your child does not point to show things, rarely follows your point, doesn't bring objects to share, or if you ever notice a loss of skills they once had. Trust your instinct — persistent parental concern is itself a good reason to ask. A hearing test is often a sensible first step too.
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 online form. If pointing and shared attention are on your mind, our clinicians look at the whole picture of how your child connects, plays and communicates. Explore understanding not-pointing, how speech and communication therapy builds these early skills, and what the AbilityScore measures.
Trusted sources
CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." developmental milestones; American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on early communication and joint attention; WHO Nurturing Care framework for early childhood development.
Next step — If your child isn't pointing to share by around 16–18 months, book a gentle developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
By 16–18 months, watch for whether your child points to share interest, follows your point, brings objects to show you, looks back at your face to check you're sharing the moment, and responds to their name. Note any loss of skills they once had.
In everyday life
Narrate and point as you go through the day — "Look, a dog!" — then pause and look back at your child. Place a favourite toy just out of reach so they have a reason to ask, and warmly celebrate any gesture they make towards sharing.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
At what age should my child start pointing to show me things?
Most children begin pointing to share or show things they find interesting between 12 and 16 months. Pointing to request something often comes a little earlier. If your child isn't pointing to show by around 16–18 months, it's worth a gentle developmental check.
My child pulls my hand to what they want instead of pointing. Is that a problem?
Leading you by the hand is a common way young children communicate and isn't a problem on its own. What we like to see growing alongside it is the showing kind of pointing and shared eye contact. If hand-leading remains the main way your child communicates by 18 months, mention it at a developmental check.
Could not pointing simply mean my child is a late bloomer?
Yes — many children are simply on the later side of typical and catch up well. The reason we suggest a check by 16–18 months is not to alarm you, but to rule out things like hearing difficulties early and to offer support sooner if it helps. Most often, a check brings reassurance.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceCDC: Developmental Milestones (Learn the Signs. Act Early.)
- Source referenceAAP HealthyChildren: Toddler communication and development
- Organisation website · further readingWHO Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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