ickepekande

Ickepekande is a term used in Swedish-language literature on child development to describe the absence or reduced frequency of pointing gestures in infants and young children. The word combines icke-, meaning "not," with pekande, meaning "pointing," and is used to discuss early social-communicative development.

In developmental research and clinical observation, pekande refers to intentional pointing to share attention (declarative pointing) or to request an object or action (imperative pointing). Ickepekande contrasts with other nonverbal cues such as gaze, vocalizations, or other gestures. Pointing is considered a key marker of joint attention, a foundational skill for language learning and social interaction.

Typically, children begin to point around 9 to 12 months of age. If pointing is absent or markedly reduced by about 12 to 14 months, clinicians may investigate further for possible developmental concerns, though ickepekande by itself is not a diagnostic criterion. It is usually assessed alongside broader measures of social communication, language development, and play.

Assessment and intervention focus on naturalistic observation during play and caregiver interactions. Interventions may include modeling pointing, responsive labeling, activities that encourage following another person’s gaze, and routines that promote joint attention and language learning.

Notes: The term is mainly used in Swedish-speaking contexts and in some European developmental literature. In English-language sources, researchers often describe the behavior in terms of “non-pointing” or “lack of pointing,” emphasizing joint attention and its implications rather than treating it as a standalone category. Cultural and environmental factors influencing gesture use should be considered.