Anonymous wrote:Jesus. H. Christ.

The M-CHAT is a professional screening tool meant to be interpreted by trained professionals (who go through a bit more schooling than reading an internet explanation). There is a reason why this is done in the ped's office and not given out at random...OP and every one else freaking out about pointing on here are perfect examples.

OP, I notice you have not yet answered how you assessed your child's M-CHAT score nor why it was administered if you haven't even gone to your 18 month appointment....

Had you waited, you would have found out that it takes more than one missed question to warrant concern. But look at the shit pot you stirred up...good work.

Oh, you mean done by a nurse who reads the questions off the screen and checks off the answers without even looking at my child?

Done it, she missed it, so not impressed.

Jesus. H. Christ.

The M-CHAT is a professional screening tool meant to be interpreted by trained professionals (who go through a bit more schooling than reading an internet explanation). There is a reason why this is done in the ped's office and not given out at random...OP and every one else freaking out about pointing on here are perfect examples.

OP, I notice you have not yet answered how you assessed your child's M-CHAT score nor why it was administered if you haven't even gone to your 18 month appointment....

Had you waited, you would have found out that it takes more than one missed question to warrant concern. But look at the shit pot you stirred up...good work.

Anonymous wrote:Does pointing at pictures in books count or to the fridge for when they want food? I feel like it's never "hey this is cool look at it". It's more "give that to me" or "say that word".

No, these are requests not trying to share a social interest.

Parents, pointing unto itself isn't what can be important. It's a proxy for when a child isn't connecting socially. It's not definite of anything and if there is a delay, one, it isn't always autism, and two, there are usually other concerning behaviors.

The M-CHAT is a guide like the CDC milestones are a guide. So if you're seeing things pop up under the "Act Now," then yes, it's time to act.

Calm down everyone.

Seriously, with the looking back thing, I have NEVER seen a toddler who looks back at a parent every time they point. I teach 18-24 month olds and this is not what they do. Sure, maybe every once in a while, especially if you don't respond at first, but certainly not every time. None of my own three children looked back every time they pointed. All typically developing. Someone is trying to define joint attention in a much too rigid manner.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 18 months old first time does the pointing over the past weekend, and he was pointing at the geese swimming in the lake a couple times. Even though he does not look at me while/after he is pointing, that is considered pointing, right?

He has to look back at you for it to be considered joint attention pointing.

I'm NP. Oh my. I am realizing my 18 month doesn't do this.

Another NP - mine does not either. He will point at things but does not look back. Does this indicate a mild form of autism?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 18 months old first time does the pointing over the past weekend, and he was pointing at the geese swimming in the lake a couple times. Even though he does not look at me while/after he is pointing, that is considered pointing, right?

He has to look back at you for it to be considered joint attention pointing.

I'm NP. Oh my. I am realizing my 18 month doesn't do this.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 18 months old first time does the pointing over the past weekend, and he was pointing at the geese swimming in the lake a couple times. Even though he does not look at me while/after he is pointing, that is considered pointing, right?

He has to look back at you for it to be considered joint attention pointing.

NP. For typically developing toddlers around this age, about what fraction of the time that they point at something they find interesting do they actually look back at you? My 19-month-old looks at us occasionally, but she's much more likely to just point and say "Doggie" or whatever excitedly, without making sure we're looking at it too. Do most toddlers look back at their parents faces most or all of the time?

I'd say my almost 15 month DS looks back maybe 1/3-1/2 the time? Usually of it's something REALLY exciting like a bus or motorcycle etc

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 18 months old first time does the pointing over the past weekend, and he was pointing at the geese swimming in the lake a couple times. Even though he does not look at me while/after he is pointing, that is considered pointing, right?

He has to look back at you for it to be considered joint attention pointing.

NP. For typically developing toddlers around this age, about what fraction of the time that they point at something they find interesting do they actually look back at you? My 19-month-old looks at us occasionally, but she's much more likely to just point and say "Doggie" or whatever excitedly, without making sure we're looking at it too. Do most toddlers look back at their parents faces most or all of the time?

Anonymous wrote:My 18 months old first time does the pointing over the past weekend, and he was pointing at the geese swimming in the lake a couple times. Even though he does not look at me while/after he is pointing, that is considered pointing, right?

He has to look back at you for it to be considered joint attention pointing.