This study examines how individual differences in gestural joint attention skills predict language development in autistic children. Fifteen autistic children, matched with mentally retarded (MR) children on mental age and language age, were tested using the Early Social-Communication Scales. The results showed that autistic children had deficits in gestural joint attention skills, even when controlling for language level, mental age, or IQ. Gestural nonverbal joint attention was a significant predictor of language development in the autistic sample. Other variables, such as initial language level and IQ, were not significant predictors. Gestural joint attention involves the use and understanding of gestures like pointing and showing objects to others, along with eye contact. These skills typically emerge between 8 and 13 months in typically developing children. Studies have shown that gestural attention deficits are specific to autism. Individual differences in gestural joint attention skills are associated with language abilities in autistic children, suggesting that these skills may underlie the development of language. The study aimed to determine how individual differences in gestural joint attention skills predict language development in autistic children. This is important because autistic children often have severe language development issues, and understanding predictors of language development can inform early intervention efforts. Joint attention skills emerge early in typically developing children, and deficits in these skills may indicate a fundamental aspect of autism. Therefore, understanding the predictive validity of gestural joint attention measures is crucial for understanding the development of autism-related behavior pathology. To address these issues, the study assessed gestural joint attention and language skills of young autistic children over a 13-month period, including measures of nonverbal requesting and social skills.This study examines how individual differences in gestural joint attention skills predict language development in autistic children. Fifteen autistic children, matched with mentally retarded (MR) children on mental age and language age, were tested using the Early Social-Communication Scales. The results showed that autistic children had deficits in gestural joint attention skills, even when controlling for language level, mental age, or IQ. Gestural nonverbal joint attention was a significant predictor of language development in the autistic sample. Other variables, such as initial language level and IQ, were not significant predictors. Gestural joint attention involves the use and understanding of gestures like pointing and showing objects to others, along with eye contact. These skills typically emerge between 8 and 13 months in typically developing children. Studies have shown that gestural attention deficits are specific to autism. Individual differences in gestural joint attention skills are associated with language abilities in autistic children, suggesting that these skills may underlie the development of language. The study aimed to determine how individual differences in gestural joint attention skills predict language development in autistic children. This is important because autistic children often have severe language development issues, and understanding predictors of language development can inform early intervention efforts. Joint attention skills emerge early in typically developing children, and deficits in these skills may indicate a fundamental aspect of autism. Therefore, understanding the predictive validity of gestural joint attention measures is crucial for understanding the development of autism-related behavior pathology. To address these issues, the study assessed gestural joint attention and language skills of young autistic children over a 13-month period, including measures of nonverbal requesting and social skills.