Making eye contact is a fundamental part of human connection, but for autistic individuals, it can be a sensory experience unlike any other. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even physically uncomfortable.
Imagine trying to listen to a complex symphony while someone shines a bright light directly in your eyes – that’s what eye contact can be like for some autistic people.
This blog post aims to be your guide to understanding autistic eye contact, helping you navigate the social world alongside your amazing autistic child (and adult!).
We’ll explore what eye contact feels like for autistic individuals, delve into the concept of “high-functioning autism” in adults, and shed light on the sometimes misunderstood “autistic gaze.”
What is eye contact like for autism?
For many autistic people, making eye contact can be like trying to decipher a foreign language.
The nonverbal cues and social complexities can be overwhelming, making it difficult to process information and respond appropriately.
Here’s a breakdown of some reasons why eye contact might be challenging:
- Sensory Overload: Intense eye contact can be like a spotlight on the eyes, leading to sensory overload for some autistic individuals. It can be more comfortable for them to look slightly off to the side or focus on an object while listening.
- Difficulty with Social Interaction: Eye contact is often seen as a sign of attentiveness and engagement in social situations. However, for autistic people, social interaction can be complex and confusing. Avoiding eye contact doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not listening; it simply means they’re processing information in their own way.
- Focus and Attention: Some autistic individuals are highly focused on details or specific objects. Maintaining eye contact might break their concentration and make it difficult for them to absorb information you’re trying to convey.
What does high functioning autism look like in adults?
The term “high-functioning autism” is no longer the preferred clinical term, but it’s still a concept many people use.
Adults with autism can present a wide range of abilities and challenges. Some might excel in certain areas, like math or science, but struggle with social interaction or communication.
Others might have difficulty with repetitive behaviors or routines. The key takeaway is that autism is a spectrum, and every autistic adult is unique.
What is the autistic gaze?
The “autistic gaze” is a term sometimes used to describe how autistic people make eye contact.
It can involve looking slightly off to the side, making brief eye contact, or focusing on a person’s mouth or forehead rather than their eyes.
It’s important to remember that the “autistic gaze” is not a diagnostic indicator of autism, and it simply reflects how some autistic people process visual information.
Can autistic people make intense eye contact?
Absolutely!
Just like eye contact can be uncomfortable for some autistic people, others might make very intense eye contact that can feel unnerving to neurotypical individuals.
Here’s a deeper dive into why this intense eye contact might happen:
- Hyperfocus in Action: Imagine getting so engrossed in a fascinating documentary that you don’t even realize you’ve been staring at the screen for an hour. That’s what hyperfocus can be like for autistic people. They might become so intensely interested in a person’s face, their clothing details, or even a specific feature like an eye color, that they make prolonged eye contact without realizing it.
- Decoding the Social Puzzle: For some autistic individuals, social interaction can be like trying to solve a complex puzzle. They might make intense eye contact in an attempt to gather as much information as possible from the other person’s face. They might be focusing on lip movements to understand speech more clearly, or analyzing facial expressions to decipher emotions. While it might seem like staring, it’s their way of trying to understand the social cues they might miss otherwise.
- Literal Interpretation: Some autistic people take things very literally. They might have been told that eye contact is important for good communication, so they make intense eye contact in an effort to follow that rule. They might not understand the nuances of eye contact duration or social context, leading to what might feel like staring from a neurotypical perspective.
- Seeking Connection: Contrary to popular belief, intense eye contact can sometimes be a sign of wanting to connect. Autistic people might struggle with expressing themselves verbally, and for them, intense eye contact might be their way of showing genuine interest or trying to establish a connection with the other person.
Remember:
Communication is a two-way street.
If you’re unsure about how much eye contact your autistic child or adult friend prefers, it’s always best to ask or observe their body language. Some autistic people might be perfectly comfortable with direct eye contact, while others might find it overwhelming.
The key is to be respectful and understanding of their individual needs.
Msitua Can Help!
If you’re looking for additional support in understanding your autistic child or adult friend, Msitua can be your partner in this journey! We have a team of experienced professionals who can help you develop communication strategies that work for everyone.
And unlike many other providers, we don’t have a waitlist.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s work together to build a world where everyone feels comfortable and understood.