Dyspraxic Adults

Hi I sometimes struggle to maintain eye contact with people this can be work colleagues, when I try to socialise with new people and especially when I try to talk to women in bars and clubs. Has anyone got any advice thanks.

Hi Tom and welcome

This was something I struggled with (and to an extent still do). I think it's a confidence thing, at least it was in my case. The only advice I can suggest is to force yourself to do it until it becomes habit. Remember it's not a staring contest though.

Has anyone else found this an issue?

I do! I thought I might have Aspergers Sydrome as I found this kind of interaction so difficult. I asked to be assessed for dyspraxia and possible Aspergers and they did the Aspergers test, which came out negative, but said they don't do dyspraxia testing in my area

It's so hard to judge. I think I just force myself too. I just hold it for as long as feels comfortable and then a bit longer. Must be some advice online about this somewhere I'd have thought.

Worth googling 'maintaining eye contact 'as there are cheats/stragegies like looking at the persons nose that give illusion of eye contact.

I've always found maintaining eye contact deeply uncomfortable. It makes me feel so exposed - I don't like people knowing what I'm thinking, and it actually physically hurts. But since it strikes other people as rude or dismissive, I've had to teach myself to overcome these feelings. Good thing my other half is a natural extrovert and actor!

Sorry I think this is outside what we can advise on. I can only suggest you speak to your GP and/or a Counsellor or Therapist about it.

To what degree are you 'indirectly' looking at breasts/groin area? Has it got you into trouble?

You could try googling 'maintaining eye contact 'as perhaps there are cheats/strategies like looking at a persons nose or forehead that may at least the give illusion of eye contact.