Today is my first day of class and already my readings JUST for today have mentioned how vital eye contact is for human connection at least 7 times.

This is an ableist and eurocentric belief.

Can we stop pretending eye contact is universal or necessary?

#AutismAcceptance

In many cultures eye contact is a display of authority or a challenge to someone else's authority.

In many cultures eye contact with someone of higher authority than you is *disrespectful*

In many cultures eye contact is only appropriate with close friends and family.

For autistic people in western countries this notion that eye contact is necessary for human connection has led to abusive training and forced eye contact that does not benefit us.

For many of us eye contact is painful, terrifying, and incredibly distracting.

#AutismAcceptance

Because the field of American psychology is historically eurocentric, there is a danger of cultural difference being pathologized. That is what is happening here.

Additionally, neurological difference outside of the norm has always been pathologized, even if non harmful.

Every psychology class that I've been in that has mentioned eye contact has done so in a way that frames prolonged eye contact as the "right" way to interact with people.

We need to do better.

#AutismAcceptanceMonth