Quote:
Originally Posted by bornunderabadsign
I've read that people on the Autism Spectrum typically have issues with eye contact. It may be not be like that in all cases. I haven't been tested for Autism but in every online test I've taken it always says that I may have Autism but I have a problem with eye contact. My problem is that I need eye contact. I need to see peoples eyes and faces when I'm talking to them face to face or over the phone ect. If I don't then it really frustrates me. I'm not sure what this is but it is a problem for me. I was curious if this is anything.
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I like eye contact too. It aids in the other person's overall nonverbal communication - which I rely on in order to make an initial judgement of a person. I hate to say it, but I avoid people who don't use eye contact as it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I realise it is difficult for some people but it is a big signal to me that someone is not on the up-and-up. I can't trust the intentions of someone who won't use or maintain contact. My intuition tells me they are being dishonest to me or have an ulterior motive. Again, I realise there are people who for a legitimate reason can't do so but this doesn't make me feel any better.
I believe there are several reasons for this. The first that comes to mind is that I am hard of hearing and rely on lips and facial expressions to 'hear' what a person is saying. Another stems from past trauma and PTSD. Every person I encounter I run through observations to ascertain whether or not this person represents a danger to me. As I can't make such an observation without eye contact that person gets put in the 'can't trust' category which means stay away.
It is about ensuring I am safe.