Autism occurs in at least 1 out of every 68 children. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and learning difficulties. It is also common for someone with autism to have sensitivity to light (photophobia) or be sensitive to sounds (hyperacusis).
Autistic Gaze Avoidance
People with autism often avoid making eye contact. They may look away when someone is talking to them, or they may not make eye contact at all. This can make it difficult for people with autism to communicate and interact with others.
Autistic Fixations
People with autism may become fixated on certain objects or activities. They may stare at these things for long periods of time and may not be able to take their eyes off of them. This can make it difficult for people with autism to focus on other things.
Repetitive Eye Movements
People with autism may make repetitive eye movements, such as blinking or looking from side to side. These movements can be distracting and can make it difficult for people with autism to pay attention to their surroundings.
How to Diagnose Autism Eye Symptoms
There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose autism eye symptoms. One way is to look at the shape and size of the eyes. Another way is to look at how the eyes move.
Doctors can also use special instruments to measure the light reflecting off of the retina, which can help them see how well the eyes are functioning. Finally, doctors may also ask questions about developmental milestones and social skills in order to get a better idea of how autism is impacting someone's life.
What Eye Symptoms Mean
Most people with autism have some level of difficulty with eye contact. This can range from averting their gaze when talking to someone, to complete avoidance of eye contact. People with autism may also have trouble reading other people's facial expressions and body language. This can make it difficult to understand what another person is feeling or thinking.
Some people with autism also have problems with their eyesight. This may be due to a condition called strabismus, where the eyes are not aligned properly. Strabismus can cause double vision or make it difficult for the brain to process visual information correctly.
Other common eye symptoms in people with autism include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty tracking moving objects
- Unusual pupil size or shape
- Unusual blinking patterns
Most people with autism have some level of difficulty with eye contact. This can range from averting their gaze when talking to someone, to complete avoidance of eye contact. People with autism may also have trouble reading other people's facial expressions and body language. This can make it difficult to understand what another person is feeling or thinking.
Some people with autism also have problems with their eyesight. This may be due to a condition called strabismus, where the eyes are not aligned properly. Strabismus can cause double vision or make it difficult for the brain to process visual information correctly.
Other common eye symptoms in people with autism include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty tracking moving objects
- Unusual pupil size or shape
- Unusual blinking patterns
Vision Problems
There are a number of vision problems that can be associated with autism, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the more common vision problems include:
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism (an irregularity in the shape of the eyeball)
- amblyopia ("lazy eye")
While some children with autism may only have mild vision problems that do not significantly impact their daily life, others may have more severe vision problems that can make everyday activities such as reading and writing difficult. In some cases, children with autism may also experience hallucinations or other visual distortions.
Speech Difficulties
Eye contact is an important part of communication. When people with autism avoid eye contact, it can be a sign that they are experiencing difficulties with speech.
Some individuals with autism may not speak at all, while others may have difficulty using spoken language to communicate their thoughts and ideas. The speech of some individuals with autism may be difficult to understand, and they may use unusual intonation or inflection when speaking. Some people with autism may also echo words or phrases that they hear.
Conclusion
There you have it — the four types of autism eye symptoms. While not all individuals with autism will experience these symptoms, they are relatively common in those with the condition. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or your child, be sure to consult with a doctor or specialist to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. With early intervention and proper care, many individuals with autism can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
