How to improve poor eye contact?

[Anonymous]

My 18 mo daughter has always had very poor eye contact. It almost seems like it is painful for her to make her look at me in the eyes. The only time we have good eye contact is at night while she's having her bottle before bed or during a very engaging game.

She is very chatty (has over 70 words), responds to smiles and her name. The only thing that seems odd to me is the eye contact. The pediatrician says he thinks it is just a personality thing. Is there anything to do to improve her eye contact?

[Anonymous]

I frequently post that when parents are concerned they should get an evaluation but this seems too young to be concerned, especially with no other red flags. I;m with your pediatrician.

I don't think you should push it. When she is older you can gently start encouraging her.

[Anonymous]

Agree with above. If eye contact is the only issue i would not worry right now. You can reinforce when she does show eye contact with verbal praise, but if she is painfully shy or has sensory issues the reinforcement might make her anxious. As she gets older it will be a little easier to work on this. Once she is older you can even explain the need and tell her how much to give, like count to 5 seconds in your head as you looks at person. Eye contact can be related to ASD, but it can also be a shyness thing too especially given you are not reporting any other red flags.

[Anonymous]

Have you had her vision checked? It could be a convergence issue. Does she rub her eyes a lot, or cover her eyes often? I would ask your pediatrician if you should see an eye doctor. Most likely there is nothing to worry about, but since children should have a yearly eye exam anyway, it doesn't hurt to check it out.

[Anonymous]

OP here - interesting idea PP. Could be it. I'll ask for that at our next check up.