Children with autism often avoid eye contact due to sensory sensitivities and difficulties with social communication. For many, eye contact can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. The act of looking someone in the eye may be perceived as intense or intrusive, causing anxiety or distress.
This behavior is not a sign of disinterest or lack of affection. Instead, it’s a result of how the brain processes social cues differently. Children with autism may find it challenging to interpret the emotions or intentions behind someone’s gaze, making eye contact feel confusing or stressful.
While avoiding eye contact is a common trait in many children with autism, it’s important to remember that every child is different. With support from therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), children can learn to manage sensory sensitivities and improve social communication skills at their own pace.
At Able Stars ABA, we provide tailored ABA therapy in Maryland that helps children with autism develop the skills they need to navigate social interactions and feel more comfortable in their environment.
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SOURCES:
Why People With Autism Have Trouble Making Eye Contact
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3997654
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170615213252.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/autistic-eye-contact
Why is Eye Contact Difficult for Autistic People?