Understanding and improving eye contact experiences in autistic adults

Researchers at UMC Utrecht want to understand the real challenges that autistic adults face with eye contact — and what could help. This qualitative study will listen to autistic adults, their family members or caregivers, and autism specialists to learn about their experiences and ideas. The goal is to design an effective intervention that could improve well-being and social connection for autistic adults who want support with eye contact.

Eye contact is important in human connection and social development, but autistic adults often experience it differently. Right now, doctors and researchers don't fully understand what specific problems this causes, what autistic adults themselves want to change, or what kind of help would actually work. This study exists to fill that gap by listening directly to autistic adults and their support networks.