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Eye contact is a critical aspect of communication and social interaction in humans. From the moment we are born, eye contact is a powerful tool for connecting with others. While each person living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unique, for many, maintaining eye contact can be challenging, and some avoid it altogether. Unfortunately, this can lead to miscommunications, social isolation, and worse outcomes for some. Ultimately, it is essential to understand eye contact in autism and why some ASD individuals struggle with it to support them better and improve their daily experiences.
This guide, created by ABA Centers of New Jersey, focuses on the importance of eye contact for individuals with autism. We will explore why some people with ASD find it challenging to maintain eye contact and how it affects their daily lives. Additionally, we will discuss how ABA therapy can assist them in developing this crucial social skill, enhancing their capacity to communicate with more ease. So, please keep reading to learn more about this powerful form of nonverbal communication!
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Why is it Difficult for Individuals with Autism to Maintain Eye Contact?
While eye contact is typically a natural part of social interactions, individuals on the autism spectrum may experience discomfort, anxiety, confusion, and even physical symptoms like nausea, tremors, and overheating, as noted in a study published by Plos One during eye contact. Other reasons individuals with autism may struggle with eye contact may include:
- Sensory overload: Some individuals with ASD may be sensitive to visual stimuli, making direct eye contact overwhelming and distressing.
- Social cues: Individuals with autism often struggle to pick up on social cues, such as understanding the meaning behind someone’s gaze or facial expressions, i.e., a frown or tears. This lack of understanding makes maintaining eye contact challenging, as ASD individuals don’t always recognize when it’s appropriate to make or break eye contact.
- Executive functioning: The ability to focus and shift attention can be challenging for individuals with autism. It can be difficult for them to engage in eye contact while also processing information or having a conversation.
The Impact of Eye Contact on Daily Life
The inability to maintain eye contact impacts daily life for individuals with autism in several ways. Eye contact plays a substantial role in establishing and maintaining social bonds. Lacking eye contact in social communication can hinder the ability to form relationships, engage in conversations, and navigate social situations. Moreover, when individuals with autism avoid eye contact, they may appear disinterested or unengaged, which can inadvertently create barriers to establishing lasting attachments with others.
Additionally, avoiding eye contact with autism can sometimes be misunderstood as rude. Still, it is vital to acknowledge that lack of eye contact is not always impolite, especially for individuals with ASD, whose condition can affect them in different ways. However, this behavior can lead to confusion or misinterpretations, which can present additional challenges for people with ASD and their families.
Furthermore, not being able to make eye contact may also result in missed opportunities to learn more about nonverbal communication cues and develop empathy. These variables are critical in addressing many challenges those with ASD can experience so they have productive and safe social interactions.
Understanding Eye Contact in Autism for Better Results
Teaching children and teenagers with autism the ‘rules’ of engagement is a delicate balance of understanding the necessity of social norms while appreciating their differences.
In the best cases, understanding eye contact in autism is about helping to equip ASD individuals with the tools they need to effectively engage with the world on their terms without demanding conformity at the cost of their comfort. According to the National Autistic Society, enforcing neurotypical conformity in autism can sadly result in a behavior called masking, which can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining.
The Role of Trust and Consent in Fostering Eye Contact in Autism
It’s also vital to remember that comfortability and confidence in communication are aspects of the foundation that build upon these essential life skills. Forcing eye contact in autism can diminish that trust and create an aversion or hesitation around communication. Instead, the most appropriate approach to encouraging eye contact in autism should focus on enhancing social skills and its benefits. It should be a collaborative effort, respecting the individual’s consent and values.
Building a Supportive Community
Creating environments that foster communication, regardless of the use of eye contact, is an essential part of building a supportive and inclusive community for everyone. This consideration includes educating peers and the broader society about the different ways people communicate to encourage acceptance and understanding surrounding nonverbal communication in autism.
ABA Therapy and the Journey to Improving Social Communication in Autism
ABA therapy is widely recognized and scientifically rooted to enhance the lives of individuals with autism. This model focuses on the function of behavior to address its purpose. It encourages positive changes by reinforcing desired responses, such as eye contact, in a favorable manner that makes the client feel good about the skills they are learning to get what they want and have fun.
ABA providers consistently tailor interventions to the unique needs of every client using systematic and data-driven methods. In many cases, developing eye contact might involve a step-by-step process of gradually introducing and reinforcing short durations of eye contact in familiar settings.
Strategies for Success with Eye Contact in Autism in ABA Therapy
There are specific strategies ABA providers employ to help individuals with autism master the art of eye contact. They may utilize visual supports, modeling, and role-playing, which help make the experience of engaging in eye contact more understandable and less threatening. Social communication should become gratifying and motivating through ABA teaching.
Long-Term Development
The long-term goal of ABA is not just to teach a single social skill but to lay the groundwork for continued social and communicative development over a lifetime. By making the path to improved communication skills a series of achievable steps in ABA, individuals with autism can grow in their ability to connect with others in a way that’s best for them, on their own level.
Compassion in Communication Leads to Better Outcomes for Many on the Spectrum!
The most challenging days for those living with autism and the caregivers who support them are potent reminders of the resilience of those living life on the spectrum. By fostering understanding, using evidence-based strategies like ABA, and advocating for compassionate communication that accommodates differences, we all help to pave the road for a more dynamic, more inclusive life for individuals with autism.
More about ABA Centers with New Jersey
ABA Centers of New Jersey offer children and teenagers with an autism diagnosis exceptional ASD care to lead fulfilling, connected lives where they feel empowered to contribute through ABA therapy. With a mission to support ASD families and create brighter futures for the autism community, ABA Centers of New Jersey offers tailored ABA therapy focusing on social skills in autism and so much more.
We also provide comprehensive autism testing for many in NJ, including regions like Woodstown, Trenton, and Paterson. Contact us at (855) 640-7888 or via this online link to learn more about our ABA care and diagnostic support services.
At ABA Centers of New Jersey, neurodivergent teens and children can learn, grow, and develop in massive ways to experience better social interactions with their friends and so many more.