Eye Contact in Autism: When we think of communication, we often picture words, facial expressions, body language, and eye contact. It’s a broad concept that allows us to express ourselves and connect. In many cultures, communication is even a symbol of unity and courtesy. But for neurodivergent individuals, the way they communicate can look different from what’s considered “normal” by most people.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or falls under the neurodivergent spectrum, you know that they have a unique perception of the world. People with autism can have varying degrees of intellectual and communicative skills. Some may excel in these areas, while others need help maintaining eye contact or speaking fluently.
Keep reading this blog by ABA Centers of Georgia if you’re interested in discovering more about the significance of eye contact in autism and how ABA therapy can assist in improving communication skills.
Why is Eye Contact Important?
Eye contact is a powerful way to communicate; in many cultures, it is a significant way of showing respect. Making eye contact while speaking conveys a sense of connection and engagement with the person you’re talking to. It’s a nonverbal style of communication that can signify the other person’s importance and show that you value their presence. In some cultures, avoiding eye contact can be seen as a sign of disrespect or disinterest.
Making eye contact while speaking can help establish trust and build stronger relationships. The study What Makes Eye Contact Special? has suggested that eye contact activates the limbic mirror system, which means that the neurons that activate in someone’s brain will also start in yours when you share eye contact. So, if you transmit joy during your gaze interaction, the other person’s neurons will also activate the feeling of joy.
Maintaining eye contact is vital and effective for connecting with others, communicating non-verbally, building trust, and preventing misunderstandings. However, it is crucial to understand that some do not follow these social norms or behaviors.
The Difference of Eye Contact in Autism
According to a National Library of Medicine study, eye contact in autism differs from those without autism. The study used brain scans to compare the two group’s reactions to eye contact and found that neurotypical children respond better to direct eye contact. In contrast, children with autism react more strongly to a low gaze interaction.
People with autism often avoid making eye contact, which can be an early sign of this condition. This difficulty with eye contact persists throughout their lives and can create significant social and occupational barriers. Difficulties with eye contact can be the underlying cause of social cognitive deficits in ASD.
The study How do adults and adolescents with self-reported Autism Spectrum Disorder experience eye contact? suggests that people with self-reported ASD experience adverse emotional and physiological reactions when making eye contact. These reactions can include feelings of personal space invasion and sensory overload. In addition, individuals with ASD find it challenging to understand social nuances and send/receive nonverbal information.
Eye Contact in Autism: 5 Challenges
As we discussed, eye contact in autism is challenging, impacting their social interactions and communication. Some of the main difficulties with eye contact in autism are:
1. Social Cues Difficulties
People on the spectrum often have difficulty interpreting social cues, including eye contact in autism, leading to misunderstandings in social situations, as they may not understand the emotional or social significance of eye contact.
2. Sensory Sensitivities
Eye contact in autism sometimes is uncomfortable due to sensory sensitivities. The intensity of looking into someone’s eyes or the feeling of being looked at may be overwhelming.
3. Lack of Joint Attention
Joint attention is the ability to share attention with others, such as focusing on the same object or topic. Many individuals with ASD have common attention challenges, making it difficult to engage in reciprocal eye contact during conversations or shared activities.
4. Stress and Anxiety
The pressure to maintain eye contact can lead to stress and anxiety for individuals with ASD. Also, the stress can interfere with their ability to communicate effectively and participate in social interactions.
5. Preference for Object Focus
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have an intense fascination with specific topics or objects, making it easier to focus on their interests. As a result, they may be less likely to engage in social interactions, drawing attention away from making eye contact with others.
How to Help My Kid to Keep Eye Contact with ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy is a versatile and evidence-based approach for addressing various behaviors in individuals with autism. It provides a structured and systematic way to identify, understand, and modify behaviors.
This therapy can be particularly effective in helping individuals learn new skills, improve communication, reduce challenging behaviors, and enhance social interactions. It breaks down complex behaviors into manageable components, sets clear goals, and uses positive reinforcement to motivate positive change.
However, it’s essential to recognize that everyone on the autism spectrum has unique strengths, challenges, and preferences. ABA therapy should not be considered a one-size-fits-all solution that seeks to change everything about a person. Instead, it should be employed to help individuals comprehend their environment and develop skills that enable them to navigate it better.
The focus of ABA therapy should be on enhancing their quality of life, building on their strengths, and providing support where needed.
What makes ABA therapy successful is its adaptability. Therapists tailor interventions to match an individual’s specific needs and goals. It’s essential to balance supporting and accommodating an individual’s unique traits while helping them acquire the necessary skills to lead a fulfilling life.
Ultimately, the goal of ABA therapy should be to empower individuals on the autism spectrum, enabling them to participate more fully in their communities and engage in meaningful relationships, all while respecting and understanding their individuality.
ABA Centers of Georgia Supports You
In conclusion, even though it is intangible, eye contact is essential in communication. However, regarding eye contact in autism, we must understand and respect that not everyone responds similarly. It’s crucial to recognize that preferring a different form of communication or not following a social norm doesn’t mean someone is rude. It just means that they are different, and that’s okay.
Therefore, it’s vital to work on improving specific skills of our children and help them navigate the neurodiverse world through the help of ABA therapy.
Accessing the support offered by ABA Centers of Georgia opens a network of dedicated professionals committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism. Our center provides a caring and supportive environment that enhances skill development, communication, and social interaction. Families can expect to receive guidance resources and collaborate with us to support their child or loved one with autism on their journey.
Don’t wait any longer. Contact us today through our website or at (855) 929 5058.
