TIL why those with autism avoid eye contact; an overactive subcortical system, combined with an imbalance in the excitatory and inhibitory systems, can make eye contact feel like 'burning' (www.sciencedaily.com)

submitted 3 years ago by 58008@lemmy.world to c/TodayILearned@kbin.social

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Direct gaze - that is, eye contact with another person - causes the subcortical system to overload, and the parts of the brain that deal with arousal and calming are failing to strike a balance. The end result is that direct eye contact triggers a physiological response which makes it physically uncomfortable to maintain eye contact.

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[-] bloopernova@programming.dev 7 points 3 years ago

I had to work hard from an early age to make eye contact because I'd get disciplined if I didn't.

Funny that now I work remotely, I don't have to make eye contact at all.

[-] hariette@artemis.camp 2 points 3 years ago

It’s the best ✨

this post was submitted on 05 Aug 2023

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