Why Do Some Autistic People Avoid Eye Contact? 

Avoiding eye contact in autism is a common behaviour that many autistic individuals exhibit. While eye contact is often seen as a vital part of social interaction, some autistic people may find it overwhelming, distracting, or even uncomfortable. This is due to differences in how their brains process sensory and social cues, which can make maintaining eye contact feel more challenging than it does for neurotypical individuals. 

Avoiding eye contact in autism often involves gaze aversion, where an individual may look away from others’ eyes or focus on something else. This behaviour is not a sign of disinterest or rudeness, but rather a coping mechanism for managing sensory overload or anxiety. For some, eye contact can feel like an intense sensory experience that is difficult to manage, leading them to avoid it to feel more comfortable. 

Understanding Gaze Aversion in Social Interactions 

Autistic individuals may experience several key behaviours related to avoiding eye contact in autism. Here are some common examples: 

Gaze Aversion 

Many autistic individuals experience gaze aversion because they are sensitive to visual stimuli or find it difficult to process facial expressions and emotions through eye contact. This does not mean they are disengaged, but rather that they may process social information in a different way. Social skills training can provide alternative ways for autistic individuals to feel comfortable in social settings while still engaging meaningfully with others. 

Social Interaction 

While avoiding eye contact in autism may impact the way some autistic people interact socially, it is important to recognise that social engagement can still occur without direct eye contact. Autistic individuals may prefer to communicate in other ways, such as through verbal communication or other nonverbal cues.  

For further insights into avoiding eye contact in autism, visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations and expert guidance. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Nonverbal Communication Differences.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.