Autism is a condition that affects social interaction and communication. One of the most common symptoms of autism is a child’s reluctance or inability to make eye contact with others. As a result, these children might miss out on important social cues and end up feeling isolated.
In this article, we explore the reasons why autistic children might avoid eye contact and what you can do to help them feel more connected in social situations. We also provide tips for parents on how to encourage eye contact from their autistic child.
Why Autistic Children Avoid Eye Contact
Many autistic children find it difficult or impossible to make eye contact with other people. This may seem strange at first, but there are a few reasons why this is the case. For one, autistic people often find social interaction difficult because it requires them to engage in social rituals that they may not be able to understand or perform correctly. Additionally, many autistic people have a heightened sense of awareness and sensitivity around their eyes and face, which can make it uncomfortable or even scary for them to look someone in the eye.
Some experts believe that this behavior may stem from an early experience of being ignored or not being accepted by others, which can lead to a feeling of insecurity and isolation. As a result, autistic children may find it difficult to build trust and confidence in social situations, which can in turn lead to difficulties in making contact with other people.
According to Dr. Tony Attwood, an expert on autism and the founder of The Attwood Centre for Autism, children with autism are often uncomfortable with eye contact because they find it difficult to interpret other people’s emotions. As a result, autistic children tend to avoid making direct eye contact in order to avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts.
autistic spectrum disorder is a complex and difficult condition to live with. Some people on the autism spectrum may have difficulty initiating or maintaining eye contact, which can be both confusing and unsettling for those around them. It is important to remember that autistic children are just as capable of feeling emotions as any other child, and that they simply need some extra time and patience to learn how to express them in a way that everyone can understand.
