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Beyond the Point: A Basic Guide to Literature on Pointing Abilities in Children with Autism

Research on core behavioral features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has always been a challenging endeavor. Amongst these features pointing abilities have often attracted attention of researchers. Traditional studies on pointing tended to rely mostly on the distinction between imperative and declarative pointing, but research has gradually recognized the importance of developmental trajectories and the relevance of other skills in the acquisition of pointing in children with ASD. The present study aims to offer a basic review of the literature on pointing in children with ASD, in order to explain these changes in research focus and to pinpoint relevant aspects of pointing that have emerged across time which may be of relevance for future studies.