Why is Making Eye Contact so Difficult for Some People?

Autism research indicates that individuals on the autism spectrum are over-sensitive to eye contact. As a result, their brains display above-average activity in the pathways that process people's facial expressions. Consequently, individuals with autism may avert other people's eyes because it can be extremely irritable and may actually hurt.

Individuals on the autism spectrum are not the only ones who have trouble making eye contact with others. Eye contact anxiety is a real thing. Some people experience extreme anxiety when making direct eye contact with other people.

The following types of individuals may experience eye contact anxiety:

• Those who are naturally shy or extremely introverted

• Those who have low self-confidence

• Those who do not have very little contact with other people

• Those who do not like being the center of attention

• Those who have been victims of physical or emotional abuse

• People diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Generally, individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) explain that making direct eye contact with others is anxiety-inducing and awkward. Studies show that individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder become noticeably distressed by direct eye contact. Direct eye contact can trigger the part of the brain that warns of danger (the amygdala) in individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder. Genetic factors may also play a role in why some people feel anxious about making eye contact.

Source: Cuncic, A. (2019). The Best Ways to Maintain Eye Contact. Retrieved 13 August 2020, from The Best Ways to Maintain Eye Contact.