Eye Contact - Columbus,OH

When I was little, I distinctly remember my mom asking me why I never made eye contact. Heck, she even praised me when I did. I was diagnosed and medicated for ADHD, but I don't think that has anything to do with it. My main reason, as far as I can remember, was not wanting to be seen. I always thought that if I looked someone in the eye that it meant that they were looking at me and paying attention to me and I really didn't want that. I always preferred to stay in the back-ground.
I'm now 24 and I still rarely make eye contact. I've kind-of gotten over it by looking at either the fore-head of the person I'm talking to or the bridge of their nose. It's still a little bit of a fear thing, even if I know the person. Looking in people's eyes just makes me feel...wonky.
I suppose everyone starts doing things at their own pace, and if your doctor doesn't seem worried, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. She'll start when she's ready.

3 moms found this helpful

One thing we found out with my grandson (who has recently been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder), is that he didn't like much eye contact... he is 4 years old.

Anyway, one website on SPD said that children may glance at your eyes quickly (if you are talking to them) and then glance away... it is too much to try to process both spoken words, and the facial clues... they look away to concentrate on your voice.

2 moms found this helpful

My daughter is 14 and not an eye contact person. When she was little she would look away form us so as not to make eye contact.
She also does not kiss and never has. She'll hug me and snuggle but does not kiss. She doesn't kiss the cats or dogs either, my other three I had to constantly remind "Do not kiss the dog! EW!"

And like Rebecca's son she is very shy.

1 mom found this helpful

My son is 12 and he has never liked eye contact ( even as a baby). He will look at your face, but not eye contact. He also is very shy and he feels lilke actual eye contact is threatening.

** Margie my son doesn't kiss either! He will/ always has kissed on the cheek but never the lips.**

Since she doesn't avoid all eye contact, she is probably fine. But sometimes that can be a sign of over stimulation. As someone mentioned that can indicate sensory issues. If you are feeling something is not quite right, go with your instinct and get it checked out. An Early Intervention program in your area will do a free eval for you and services, if needed, will be free to you up to age 3.