[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.

[Skeezyks]

My understanding is that the problem people who have autism have with eye contact is that they can't establish it or maintain it. From what you wrote, though, it sounds like you crave it. I don't know if this is anything in particular. Perhaps there will be other members who will have some insight into this. Here are links to 2 articles, from PC's archives, on the subject of eye contact:

Connecting Through Eye Contact

Certain Personalities Are More Comfortable With Eye Contact

[bornunderabadsign]

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

My understanding is that the problem people who have autism have with eye contact is that they can't establish it or maintain it. From what you wrote, though, it sounds like you crave it. I don't know if this is anything in particular. Perhaps there will be other members who will have some insight into this. Here are links to 2 articles, from PC's archives, on the subject of eye contact:

Connecting Through Eye Contact

Certain Personalities Are More Comfortable With Eye Contact

Thank you Skeezyks!

[downandlonely]

I like eye contact too. I have also heard the people with autism have trouble making eye contact, not that they want it.

[WishfulThinker66]

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.

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.