What is an appropriate goal for maintaining eye contact in children with ASD?

In the context of establishing appropriate goals for maintaining eye contact in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is essential to consider the developmental and individual differences inherent in these children. Goals should be realistic, achievable, and based on the child's current abilities and comfort levels with social interactions.

Setting a goal of maintaining eye contact for an extended period, such as 2 minutes, 4 minutes, or even 10 minutes, may not be practical or appropriate for many children with ASD. Long durations of eye contact can be overwhelming and stressful for these children. Many may find it difficult to sustain eye contact even for a few seconds due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or social communication challenges.

Instead, focusing on shorter durations that account for the child’s unique needs and gradually building up from there is a more effective strategy. By acknowledging that maintaining eye contact for any set duration might not be beneficial or realistic for every child with ASD, the choice indicating that the goal is "not appropriate" recognizes the need for flexibility and individualized approaches in therapy settings. This perspective supports the overall well-being and comfort of the child while promoting gradual progress in social communication skills.