Why Do Children with Autism Avoid Eye Contact?

June 14, 2025

If you’ve ever noticed a child with autism avoiding eye contact, it can feel confusing. But it’s important to know that it’s not because they’re being rude or uninterested. 


For many children on the autism spectrum, making eye contact can feel overwhelming. Their brains process visual and emotional cues differently, so focusing on someone’s eyes can feel like too much to handle.


Sensory Sensitivities and Social Challenges

Children with autism often experience sensory sensitivities that make things like eye contact difficult. When they look at someone’s face, they don’t just see the person—they’re also picking up on all sorts of emotional signals, which can be distracting or even upsetting. 


On top of that, social interactions can already be hard to navigate, so eye contact might not come naturally or feel necessary to them.


At Blue Jay ABA, we understand the challenges children with autism face. Our ABA therapy services in North Carolina are designed to help kids develop social and communication skills at their own pace. 



If you’re looking for support, we’re here to help your child grow and thrive in a way that feels comfortable for them.


Need Assistance?

We’re Here to Help

Our expert team is ready to support your child’s development and well-being.


We are committed to offering tailored ABA therapy solutions that promote growth.

Contact us today for Professional ABA Therapy.

Get Started

Related Posts

An ABA therapist is sitting next to an autistic boy playing with lego blocks.
June 14, 2025
Affording ABA therapy for your child is possible! Learn about insurance coverage, Medicaid options, and other funding strategies to reduce the cost of therapy.
An autistic boy is biting his nails in front of a large star sign.
June 14, 2025
Is autism way more common today than it was 20 years ago? Discover the truth behind the rise in autism diagnoses today and the role of improved diagnosis.
Two little girls are sitting on the floor next to a bed.
June 14, 2025
Does bad parenting cause autism? It’s a common misconception, but autism is not linked to parenting styles. Learn more about the causes of autism in our blog.