I’m still on my journey of understanding the differences between autism and other. My focus today is eye contact, so let’s have a discussion!
Guiding questions:
-
What do you think is the underlying difference that causes autistic people to use less eye contact than others?
-
What does it feel like for you?
-
How do you interpret other people’s eye contact?
-
Do you avoid it, use short glances, or maintain NT-levels of eye contact?
-
Does it vary by situation?
-
Anything else you would like to discuss regarding eye contact?
Question is open to anyone. If not identified, then the assumption is the user is autistic. Otherwise, if you’re NT or other ND, please state so 🙂
Yes, you said it perfectly. Eye contact is intimate, that is why people do it after all. It transmits a lot of information. That is the reason why I don’t like eye contact with people that I don’t like or can’t empathize with. Lots of people are full of anger, and I don’t like to feel any of that.
Otherwise, very well said. I relate to a lot of this, also the “being able to see what’s in your mind” when other people look at you. That is exactly my impression, too.
Thank you! I’m glad we were able to relate on it. I think it’s helpful for self-awareness and developing healthy relationships.