Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects how a person interacts, communicates, and perceives the world around them.

One of the hallmark characteristics of autism is difficulties in social communication and interaction. Eye contact is an essential component of social interaction, and individuals with autism often exhibit unique behaviors and challenges in this area. In this article, we will explore the early signs of autism in eye contact.

1. Avoiding Eye Contact

Avoiding eye contact is one of the most common early signs of autism. Babies and young children typically start making eye contact with their caregivers from a very early age.

However, infants with autism may not show the same level of eye contact or may avoid making eye contact altogether. This can be an early indicator for parents and caregivers to seek further assessment.

Social gaze refers to the ability to follow the gaze of others and use eye contact to communicate and connect socially. Children with autism may have difficulties following someone’s gaze or understanding its significance.

They may not engage in joint attention or may display delays in this area of development.

3. Unusual Eye Contact

While avoiding eye contact is common, some individuals with autism may display unusual eye contact behaviors. For example, they may make fleeting glances or stare intensely at others, objects, or specific body parts.

These atypical eye contact behaviors can vary widely among individuals with autism.

4. Lack of Eye Contact during Conversation

During conversation, individuals with autism may struggle to maintain eye contact. They may often shift their gaze away or focus on objects instead of the person they are communicating with.

This can make social interactions challenging, as eye contact is crucial for effective communication and understanding.

5. Difficulties Interpreting Eye Contact

Individuals with autism may have trouble interpreting and understanding the meaning of eye contact in social situations. They might not accurately decode facial expressions or perceive non-verbal cues conveyed through eye contact.

This can lead to difficulties in understanding emotions, intentions, or social signals communicated by others.

6. Sensory Sensitivities

Autism is often associated with sensory processing differences. Some individuals with autism may have heightened sensitivity to visual stimuli, which includes sensitivity to eye contact.

Bright lights or direct eye contact can be overwhelming or uncomfortable for them, leading to avoidance or atypical eye contact patterns.

7. Lack of Eye Contact in Pretend Play

Pretend play is an important developmental milestone for children. However, individuals with autism may have difficulties engaging in pretend play that involves eye contact.

They may struggle to imitate social interactions involving eye contact, such as pretending to talk on the phone or engaging in make-believe conversations.

8. Stereotypic Eye Movements

Some individuals with autism may display repetitive or stereotypic eye movements, such as eye blinking, eye-rolling, or staring at objects from different angles repetitively. These behaviors can interfere with typical eye contact or social engagement.

Typically, infants and young children reciprocate smiles during social interactions. However, children with autism may show reduced social smiling, which can be accompanied by a lack of eye contact.

This can be an early sign that parents and caregivers can observe in infancy.

10. Preference for Object over Human Fixation

Individuals with autism may show a preference for fixating on objects rather than faces.

This could be reflected in their behavior, where they focus intensely on particular objects or visually stimulating items instead of engaging with people or making eye contact.

It is important to remember that not all individuals with autism will exhibit the same eye contact behaviors. Each person’s experience with autism is unique, and the severity and pattern of eye contact difficulties can vary.

Early identification and intervention are key to supporting individuals with autism in developing their social communication skills.