• Skip to main content
  • Who We Help
    • Developmentally Disabled
    • Children & Adults with Autism
    • Parents & Guardians
  • What We Do
    • Adaptive Skills Training (AST)
    • Independent Living Skills Training (ILS)
    • Supported Living Services (SLS)
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) & Behavior Modification
    • Employment Support and Training
    • Self-Determination
    • Forensic Support
    • SSI/ Medical/ Medicare Assistance
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Partners
  • Locations
    • California
    • Arizona
    • Nevada
    • Texas
    • Washington
    • Hawaii
    • Tennessee
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Autism Treatment Guide
    • Events
    • FAQs
    • Accepted Insurances
  • Careers
  • Contact
(628) 833-8424
  • Who We Help
    • Developmentally Disabled
    • Children & Adults with Autism
    • Parents & Guardians
  • What We Do
    • Adaptive Skills Training (AST)
    • Independent Living Skills Training (ILS)
    • Supported Living Services (SLS)
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) & Behavior Modification
    • Employment Support and Training
    • Self-Determination
    • Forensic Support
    • SSI/ Medical/ Medicare Assistance
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Partners
  • Locations
    • California
    • Arizona
    • Nevada
    • Texas
    • Washington
    • Hawaii
    • Tennessee
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Autism Treatment Guide
    • Events
    • FAQs
    • Accepted Insurances
  • Careers
  • Contact
(626) 833-8424
Home Resources Blog Lack of Eye Contact and Autism

Lack of Eye Contact and Autism

September 19, 2022

Categories: Autism

When we become privy to a list of behaviors indicative of a condition, we tend to oversimplify and casually diagnose ourselves or those around us without considering the real complexities of the condition and the diagnosis of that condition.

Autism is no exception.

Behaviors such as lack of eye contact present themselves in the context of autism differently from someone simply exhibiting a social skill deficiency.

In this blog, we will be looking at the following:

  • Is lack of eye contact a symptom of autism?
  • Why do those with autism lack eye contact?
  • How to encourage eye contact

Is Lack of Eye Contact a Symptom of Autism?

Although lack of eye contact is one of many indicators of autism, this alone isn’t sufficient to suggest a diagnosis. That said, doctors must look at the behaviors and characteristics of autism since it cannot be diagnosed via bloodwork or imaging.

Notable behaviors, such as lacking eye contact, are compared to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A diagnosis is either made or inconclusive, given the behavioral evidence.

Why Do Those with Autism Lack Eye Contact?

Not everyone is comfortable making direct eye contact for many reasons besides autism. There’s a little more to it when someone with autism exhibits such behavior, including sensory overload and discomfort or stress when making eye contact.

Toddlers and Children

There’s a whole range of reasons why a child may avoid eye contact in certain social situations, but for children with autism, some examples of what you may observe include the following:

  • Lack of social motivations that promote eye contact with others
  • Difficulty focusing on both speech and eye contact at the same time
  • Focusing more on a person’s mouth or hands instead of their eyes in conversation
  • Overwhelmed by eye contact

How to Encourage Eye Contact 

It’s hardly ever successful attempting to force someone with autism to make eye contact, especially children. There are subtle, manageable ways to positively encourage eye contact without imposing the anxieties, stress, and discomfort they might experience when otherwise doing so.

Praising them anytime they glance or make eye contact with you is a general way to positively reinforce that behavior, especially during request or response exchanges. Don’t be quick to reply, but give them a moment to look at you in anticipation of your response. And especially engage with them about their interests and passions, which is typically the easiest way to get anyone’s attention and interest.

Roman Empire is Here to Help

We provide support services for those with developmental disabilities, offering treatment plans that consider the whole person – body and spirit – for lifelong success.

Contact us today, and let us help you or your loved one overcome these obstacles and further unlock the potential that awaits you.

Further Reading

Traveling with Autism

Whether it’s a road trip visiting family, a plane ride to Disney World, or a weekend camping trip, getting to our destination...

Read moremore about Traveling with Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder vs. ADHD

Numerous developmental conditions are diagnosed each day. Even with distinct names and lists of symptoms, many of these conditions seemingly overlap and...

Read moremore about Autism Spectrum Disorder vs. ADHD

Autism in Women

Autism is a spectrum disorder. Symptoms and severity vary, and there’s no cookie-cutter diagnosis. Even so, autism in adults may look different...

Read moremore about Autism in Women

Additional Resources

Blog

Read latest articles

Events

View Calendar

FAQs

Find answers to your questions

Get the help you need today.

Don’t wait to be an advocate for yourself or your loved one. Start now!

Get Started Today

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Consent*
*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
(626) 833-8424
Corporate Office

1000 South Fremont Avenue, Unit 85 Building A1 Suite 1122 Alhambra, CA 91803-8801

Quick Links
  • Who We Help
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Careers
  • Contact
Locations
  • California
  • Nevada
  • Washington
  • Arizona
  • Texas
  • Hawaii
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

© 2023 Roman Empire Agency