Below we consider ways in which you can improve your autistic child’s eye contact.

Improving autistic children’s eye contact

Each child is different but the below are some tactics or ideas to consider. Please do let us know how you got on in the comments.

Gradual increase

This can be done through activities such as playing eye contact games or reading books together and taking turns looking at each other while doing so.

It’s important to start with short periods of eye contact and gradually increase the duration over time.

Hold objects to your eyes

Drawing your child’s attention up to your eyes is half of the battle. Consider during meal times holding spoons or food close to your eyes initially.

If your child glances in your eyes even just for a moment then reward them with the mouthful.

You can use the same tactic for toys also. If you manage to get a game going then at regular points pause and hold an object by your eyes.

This could be a ball, toy or whatever is the subject of the game. Again if your child looks in your eye then reward them with the object.

Praise improvements

Whilst rewards are important as part of a structured game, it’s important to note improvements at other times also.

Rewarding an autistic child with praise, stickers, or other tokens of appreciation when they make eye contact can help to encourage them to do so more frequently.

Use visual aids

Some autistic children may find it easier to make eye contact if they have visual supports, such as a picture or a symbol, to help them understand the expectation.

Use social stories

Social stories are short, simple stories that describe a social situation and the appropriate behaviors for that situation.

They can be a helpful tool for teaching an autistic child about the importance of eye contact and how to make it.

Pick your moments

It can be helpful to practice eye contact in a low-stress environment, such as at home or in a quiet room, before attempting it in more challenging situations.

Bring in the professionals

An occupational therapist or other professional with experience working with individuals with autism may be able to offer additional strategies and support for improving eye contact.

Summary – How to improve an autistic child’s eye contact

It’s important to keep in mind that it may take time to improve your autistic child’s eye contact.

With that being the case it may require some patience and it’s important to be supportive and encouraging of the child’s progress.

It’s also important to remember that eye contact is just one aspect of social interaction and that there are many other ways to connect with and communicate with individuals with autism.

Feel free to browse our site for more tips and help with raising an autistic child.  Alternatively you can go to either the UK’s National Autistic Society or the US Autism Association.

Any tips or ideas?

We would love to hear from you if you have got any techniques or ideas for our readers to try.

Be sure to leave a comment if any of the above has helped or if you have any ideas we can add to this article.

Also be sure to search for any other articles you might find helpful.

Try for example searching below for topics like ‘meltdown’ or ‘communication’.