Maintaining eye contact can occasionally be challenging for those with autism. Relationship development can be achieved in various ways outside practice and treatment.
ASD, or autism spectrum disorder, is a general term for a variety of neurological abnormalities and difficulties. An individual with autism may struggle with social contact, communication, and behaviour. Eye contact is just one of the many nonverbal ways people interact with each other in addition to spoken words. However, maintaining eye contact and looking straight at others is challenging for many autistic persons. In the following sections, we'll discuss the connection between autism and eye contact and offer advice on making eye contact more comfortable for adults with autism.
Why is it that some individuals with autism have trouble establishing eye contact?
Body language and facial emotions are examples of nonverbal communication in action. Gazing into another person's eyes or maintaining eye contact is a typical nonverbal communication technique.
Making eye contact is not only challenging but also extremely uncomfortable for a sizable portion of the autistic population Source. Difficulties with nonverbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact, are one of the diagnostic criteria Trusted Source for autism.
Underlying alterations in specific brain regions may be one reason why autistic people struggle with nonverbal communication techniques. In a significant study published in 2022 Trusted Source, researchers observed variations in the brain activity of neurotypical and autistic individuals during moments of eye contact.
The dorsal parietal region of the brain was less active during eye contact in autistic people than in neurotypical people, according to the study's findings. Furthermore, in individuals with autism, alterations in this region of the brain were linked to social functioning.
Should you teach children with autism to keep their eyes open?
It can be hard for neurotypical individuals to comprehend why some persons with autism have trouble communicating.
But we shouldn't make someone behave a certain way just because we think it's "typical." Autistic masking—a tactic some autistic individuals employ to appear more neurotypical—can result from the pressure placed on autistic persons to behave in a neurotypical manner. When an autistic person hides during communication, they may also learn to repress their own emotions and demands. For instance, they could force eye contact, mimic movements and facial expressions, talk in predetermined responses, or cover up their stimming.
Although masking can occasionally help autistic people in many ways, a 2021 study analysis Source indicates that it can also result in lower mental health, anxiety, and sadness, as well as identity loss. It may also be challenging for someone to get an appropriate autism diagnosis if they exhibit masking characteristics.
How to stay in eye contact if you have autism: It takes work to become more at ease communicating nonverbally, just like with any other ability. Here are some strategies you can use if you're an autistic person who needs to learn how to keep eye contact:
Practice with friends: If you're hesitant to make eye contact with new people, try doing it first with a trusted friend. By practising with a friend or family member, you can gradually become more accustomed to it in a comfortable environment.
Modify your gaze: Focusing on different parts of a person's face might also help you become more adept at eye contact. For instance, looking at someone's lips or nose can help you remember to look at their eyes.
Avoid exerting yourself: Making eye contact can feel awkward when you're not used to it, but everyone has a distinct communication style. Recall other acceptable ways to communicate if that's how you feel most at ease.
Recall the ultimate objective: Most neurotypical individuals assume that you are paying attention to what they are saying when you keep eye contact. Using different active listening strategies might obtain a comparable outcome.
How Can Reframing You Help?
Reframing You offers support and resources for individuals with autism to improve social interaction skills, including maintaining eye contact. We organize workshops and events that provide safe, supportive environments to practice nonverbal communication techniques with peers and professionals. Our platform also connects users with therapists who specialize in autism, offering personalized strategies and guidance to make social interactions more comfortable. By participating in our community and utilizing our resources, individuals with autism can develop their social skills at their own pace, ultimately enhancing their overall communication and relationship-building abilities.
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