How do adults and teens with self-declared Autism Spectrum Disorder experience eye contact? A qualitative analysis of first-hand accounts

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188446
• Publication Date: 2017-11-28T18:29:11Z
• Authors: Dominic A. Trevisan; Nicole Roberts; Cathy Lin; Elina Birmingham
• Keywords: Eye contact

A tendency to avoid eye contact is an early indicator of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and difficulties with often persist throughout the lifespan. Eye may underlie social cognitive deficits in ASD, can create significant occupational barriers. Thus, this topic has received substantial research clinical attention. In study, we used qualitative methods analyze self-reported experiences as described by teens adults self-declared ASD. Results suggest people a self- declared ASD diagnosis experience adverse emotional physiological reactions, feelings being invaded, sensory overload while making contact, addition understanding nuances, receiving sending nonverbal information. Some data support existing mindblindness frameworks, hyperarousal or hypoarousal theories but also present novel findings unaccounted for frameworks. Additionally, highlight innovative strategies have devised overcome cope their difficulties.