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Why Children with Autism Avoid Eye Contact and What You Can Do to Help
June 23, 2025
Autism symptoms like avoiding eye contact is often a natural response. But why do they do it? The reasons go deeper than shyness or disinterest.
Here’s a closer look at why this behavior occurs and what it reveals about their experience of the world.
Overwhelming Sensory Experience
For many children with autism, making eye contact isn’t as simple as it seems.
The act of looking into someone’s eyes can feel like an intense sensory experience. For some, it’s akin to staring directly at a bright light—it’s overwhelming and uncomfortable.
This can cause them to look away, as they try to avoid the sensory overload that comes with prolonged eye contact.
Challenges with Social Interaction
Children with autism also experience social interactions differently. Eye contact is often a key part of understanding emotions, but many children with autism find it difficult to interpret these cues.
Instead of making eye contact naturally, they may focus on other aspects of a conversation or situation, like the speaker's tone or body language. This doesn’t mean they aren’t engaged; it’s just that they process social information in their own unique way.
Understanding these challenges can make a big difference in how we approach communication with children on the autism spectrum.
If you're seeking personalized support for your child,
Divine Steps ABA offers specialized
autism services in Maryland that cater to their unique needs. With expert
ABA therapy, we can help your child build meaningful social skills at their own pace.
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