Enjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.
Gazes at faces and copies facial movements. e.g. sticking out tongue, opening mouth and widening eyes.
Responds when talked to, for example, moves arms and legs, changes facial expression, moves body and makes mouth movements.
Recognises and is most responsive to main carer’s voice: face brightens, activity increases when familiar carer appears.
Responds to what carer is paying attention to, e.g. following their gaze.
Likes cuddles and being held: calms, snuggles in, smiles, gazes at carer’s face or strokes carer’s skin.
Seeks to gain attention in a variety of ways, drawing others into social interaction.
Builds relationships with special people.
Is wary of unfamiliar people.
Interacts with others and explores new situations when supported by familiar person.
Shows interest in the activities of others and responds differently to children and adults.
Plays alongside others.
Uses a familiar adult as a secure base from which to explore independently in new environments, e.g. ventures away to play and interact with others, but returns for a cuddle or reassurance if becomes anxious.
Plays cooperatively with a familiar adult, e.g. rolling a ball back and forth.
Interested in others’ play and starting to join in.
Seeks out others to share experiences.
Shows affection and concern for people who are special to them.
May form a special friendship with another child.
Can play in a group, extending and elaborating play ideas, e.g. building up a role-play activity with other children.
Initiates play, offering cues to peers to join them.
Keeps play going by responding to what others are saying or doing.
Demonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.
Initiates conversations, attends to and takes account of what others say.