Why the Myth of Autistic People Not Making Eye Contact Needs to Be Debunked.

This statement is up there as one of the most highly stigmatised perceptions of Autistic people. Here is a bit more insight into this by some Autistic people.

Some of us may be looking you in the eye but it's impossible to look into both eyes at once, so which eye should I look at? The left? The right? Oh no, now they have noticed I've been looking back & forth, so I'd better look away.

Gosh, what were they talking about? I was so busy concentrating on how I can look into both their eyes that I have no clue, now they are asking me what I think about what they were saying 'eeekkk' I'll just do my usual nod, smile & say yes I really think you are on to something there." A. Miles

"You 'think' I'm looking into your eyes, but really I'm looking straight through you, as though you are invisible." Mr. S

As for the social stigma being that we have to look people in the eyes in order to be listening to them, my daughter taught me at 2 or 3 years old, this is not the case & in fact, science & therapists back the following up:

"Mummy, I know it looks like I am not listening to you because I am not looking at you & am busy doing something else, this is how I listen better."

There is plenty of science to back up that fidgeting & similar actions do increase concentration!

We would love to hear of anyone else's examples of what they are actually doing rather than looking into someone's eyes, feel free to drop your responses below.