For many people with autism, avoiding eye contact isn't a sign that they don't care – instead, it's a response to a deeply uncomfortable sensation. It often means and indicates that people would like to communicate with other individuals. You’re not alone.

On the other hand, the act of making eye contact is extremely stressful for some people affected by autism. Hold eye contact for about four to five seconds at a time, or about as much time as it takes you to register the color of their eyes. The task of making eye contact at the right time, under the correct conditions, can be very stressful for many students with autism. Many people with autism do make eye contact, but it may be fleeting or occur at inappropriate times.

Therapists, educators, and parents often insist autistic people make eye contact with them. By EAP Team February 27, 2019 No Comments. Model appropriate eye contact with your child; always turn to look at your child when you talk to them.

Children on the autism spectrum often have a hard time making eye contact. Autism and Eye Contact A challenge I am continually faced with as an autistic adult is the misinformed presumption and resulting behavior of neurotypical people when I do not look at them the in way they expect, want or demand of me. Initially, he/she may only look at the toy, but gradually some eye contact will emerge.

The frequency, duration, and under which circumstances will determine which methods will be best for you to utilize.

Why eye contact is difficult.

Initially they may only look at the toy but gradually some eye contact will emerge.
Take heart if this is a problem for your child.

Eye contact difficulties may underlie social cognitive deficits in ASD, and can create significant social and occupational barriers.

Children with autism may demonstrate a lack of eye contact during their social interactions and communication with other people.

Why eye contact is difficult. Maintain eye contact 50% of the time when speaking and 70% when listening. There are many books and articles written by adults with autism who describe the terrible stress they felt when well-meaning parents and teachers tried to force them to make eye contact during conversations. Also, the more your child looks, the more (s)he will learn and communicate. Eye contact and autism is a controversial and complex issue. You will not get both unless I am comfortable with you and do not have to concentrate so much on the eye contact'."

Simple Strategies To Get Eye Contact from Children with Autism. Children on the autism spectrum often have a hard time making eye contact. Eye contact has a significant place in nonverbal communication behavior.

Thus, this topic has received substantial research and clinical attention. Bring object/toy up to your eye level to encourage your child to look.

Making eye contact is a basic social skill that leads to positive social interaction with others.


Autism spectrum disorder is a term used to describe a variety of conditions that make communicating and socialising a challenge, and is often accompanied by restricted and repetitive behaviours.. A defining characteristic of autism spectrum disorder is a difficulty in making or maintaining eye contact, a behaviour that not only makes social interactions harder, but can lead to … Bring object/toy up to your eye level to encourage your child to look. Those who have become verbal explained that the experience is so overwhelming for them because they have trouble making sense of the emotions in another’s eye.