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iGaze is a simple therapeutic tool that may assist people with autism in developing eye contact skills.
The reading of faces, and eyes in particular, is an important means of understanding the nonverbal cues of "normal" social interaction. Problems with using eye gaze for joint attention, and the difficulty in using it to infer the mood and intent of other people, are two notable features of autism.1 Studies have shown that autistic children can struggle to follow another's gaze in social situations.2 It is also well known that adults with autism often have difficulty with, or prefer to avoid, making eye contact.3 Recent research indicates that "eye gaze probably taps unconscious but core insights into social behaviour"4 and further, that the aversion to eye contact amongst people on the autism spectrum is rooted in the over-arousal of the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats.5
Experience suggests eye contact should not be forced or insisted upon. Much confusion results from the perception that eye contact is essential in order to "get one's attention", to the extent that this requirement becomes more important than the task at hand.6 Frustration often is the result. In such a situation, the person on the autism spectrum may have difficulty in reading the complex messages conveyed by the eyes while giving attention to an additional source of sensory input such as speech.7 It is often easier for an autistic person to concentrate without the pressure of having to make eye contact.
Lack of eye contact should not be interpreted as a lack of interest. Eye contact can be intense and demanding, and must be allowed to develop naturally, in a non-confrontational manner.
Sources:
1 K. A. Pelphrey, J. P. Morris, and G. McCarthy, "Neural basis of eye gaze processing deficits in autism", Brain: A Journal of Neurology, 2005.
2 T. Ruffman, W. Garnham, and P. Rideout, "Social Understanding in Autism: Eye Gaze as a Measure of Core Insights", Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 2001.
3 Insights from an Autistic: Eye Contact. 10 Apr 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2jyE1A9F6k
4 K. Nation and S. Penny, "Sensitivity to eye gaze in autism: is it normal? Is it automatic? Is it social?", Dev. Psychopathology. 2008.
5 University Of Wisconsin-Madison, "Eye Contact Triggers Threat Signals In Autistic Children's Brains." ScienceDaily, 10 Mar 2005. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050309151153.htm
6 R. Stewart, "Should we insist on eye contact with people who have autism spectrum disorders?", The Reporter, 5(3), 7-12 (2000). http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/Sensory/insisteyecontact.html
7 O. Bogdashina, "Peripheral Perception in Autism: What is more important - eye contact or understanding?", Suite101, Jan 2003. http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/autism_world/97315#ixzz0mV7ZOGII
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