Eye Contact in Autism: Shifting Philosophy and Pedagogy

"Active listening means eyes on me." Or, maybe, verbal prompts - "Look at people when they talk to you." It may be on your wall displays, in your social stories, on your daily timetable. Autistic people have differences in eye contact. As teachers, we know this. Have you ever paused to wonder why they may have these differences? Or, perhaps, wondered what to do when your autistic student doesn't make eye contact? In this 30-minute recording, you'll critically evaluate traditional expectations around eye contact, explore research and theories behind why autistic individuals may avoid eye contact, and consider what best practice may look like to support students with this aspect of nonverbal communication. Allow an additional ten to fifteen minutes for reflection and discussion time, where prompted.