Joint attention behavior

Joint attention behavior refers to the shared focus of two individuals on an object, event, or topic, enabled by coordinated gaze, gestures, or verbal cues[1][2][3]. It is a foundational developmental skill, first emerging in infancy, critical for effective social communication, language acquisition, and theory of mind[1][2][3][4][6]. Deficits in joint attention are recognized as core features of autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions[4][6]. The ability to initiate and respond to joint attention bids underlies early learning, social bonding, and cognitive growth[2][3][6]. Joint attention is studied behaviorally and neurologically but is not a molecule, gene, protein, receptor, or other typical therapeutic target[1][2][3].

Other names

Joint attentionShared attentionJA