Can Longitudinal Observations of Infant Joint Attention Inform Infant Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders?

• Main Author: Suchomel, Nicole G.
• Other Authors: Ala'i-Rosales, Shahla
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2009
• Subjects: Autism; infant; joint attention; Attention-seeking.; Autism spectrum disorders.; Autistic children.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc10979/

Infants 5-34 weeks of age were observed in their homes playing with their mothers as part of a longitudinal study. Two mother-infant dyads were observed once per week for twelve weeks, during a ten-minute play session. The purpose of the observation system is to describe contingencies leading to the development of attention-seeking behaviors in typically developing infants. Observations were coded using a type-based format (person engagement, object engagement, supported joint engagement, coordinated joint engagement, and unengaged). Child eye gaze, reaching, and grabbing were coded as well as all child and adult vocalizations. It is suggested that the data from the observation system will help inform and assess the effectiveness of infant and toddler social interventions in autism spectrum disorders and advance our understanding of attention seeking behaviors.