Sena makes EYE CONTACT
200The connection between autism and atypical eye contact has been a topic of research and discussion among professionals for many years. Here's an overview of the link between autism and eye contact:
Reduced Eye Contact: Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit reduced eye contact. This can be noticeable from a very young age. Infants who later get diagnosed with ASD might show less interest in human faces or have less frequent eye contact than typically developing infants.
Sensory Overload: Some individuals with autism describe eye contact as being overwhelming or intense. It might be perceived as a sensory overload, where maintaining eye contact is just too stimulating or distracting.
Processing Information: Eye contact can be a source of a lot of social information, such as emotional state, intent, and more. Some people with autism might find it challenging to process all of this information at once, leading them to avoid eye contact to better focus on the conversation or other aspects of the interaction.
Social Relevance: For many with autism, understanding or interpreting social cues doesn't come naturally. They might not recognize the importance or relevance of eye contact in social interactions in the same way that neurotypical individuals do.
Avoidance of Social Interactions: Reduced eye contact might also stem from a general avoidance or anxiety regarding social interactions, which is common in many individuals with ASD.
Brain Differences: Neuroimaging studies have shown differences in the way the brain processes faces and eyes in individuals with autism compared to neurotypical individuals. This could partly explain the differences in eye contact and attention to faces.
Variable Spectrum: It's important to note that autism is a spectrum, and not everyone with ASD will experience challenges with eye contact. Some might have no trouble with it at all, while others might find it particularly challenging.
It's also worth noting that while reduced eye contact can be a sign of autism, it's not definitive proof. Many other factors and behaviors are considered before a diagnosis is made. Also, there are other conditions and reasons, beyond autism, why someone might avoid eye contact.