Children with autism may avoid eye contact for several reasons, often linked to how they process social and sensory information. Eye contact can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable due to heightened sensory sensitivity. For some, it may be distracting or even physically distressing.
Others might struggle to interpret facial expressions or find it difficult to focus on both verbal and nonverbal cues at once. Avoiding eye contact isn’t about disinterest—it’s often a way to reduce anxiety or cope with overstimulation.
Understanding this behavior is key. Forcing eye contact can increase stress, while respecting a child’s comfort helps build trust and communication over time.
Move Up ABA uses personalized strategies to support social development in autistic children, focusing on respectful and effective ways to improve engagement without pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is avoiding eye contact a sign of autism?
Yes, it’s one of the common early signs, but not exclusive to autism.
2. Should I force my child to make eye contact?
No. It’s better to encourage engagement in more comfortable ways.
3. Can eye contact improve with therapy?
Yes, with gentle support and intervention, many children improve over time.
Sources:
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/autism-eye-contact
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3997654/
