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The Daily Insight

What is eye tracking in autism?

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on March 03, 2026

Eye tracking is used to study the differences in social interaction and visual precursors to attention in social contexts between typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers hope to discover the earliest indicators of autism in order to help diagnosis and inform interventions.

When should babies make eye contact?

Making eye contact is among the important milestones for a baby. They make their first direct eye contact during the first six to eight weeks of age. Eye contact is not just about your baby recognising you.

Do autistic babies like to be held?

Sometimes, autistic children may even not like to be held, hugged, or touched by anyone and may be fussy or reactive when forced to do so.

What are the 10 signs of autism?

4 days ago
Common signs of autism

  • Avoiding eye contact.
  • Delayed speech and communication skills.
  • Reliance on rules and routines.
  • Being upset by relatively minor changes.
  • Unexpected reactions to sounds, tastes, sights, touch and smells.
  • Difficulty understanding other people’s emotions.

Why is eye tracking important for young children with autism spectrum disorder?

Because it is non-invasive and does not require advanced motor responses or language, eye tracking is particularly important for the study of young children and infants. In this article, we review eye tracking studies of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children at risk for ASD.

What age do babies with autism make less eye contact?

Researchers have found that babies who develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) begin making less eye contact at around 2 months of age. The decline in eye contact may be an early indicator of autism. Little pointing or gesturing Babies usually learn to gesture before they learn to talk.

How can you tell if your child has autism?

Four simple eye-tracking tests to check autism warning signs 1 Object and image scanning. Show your child two objects: 1) a colorful painting and 2) an interesting object, e.g. 2 Object and sound. Try this activity when your baby is in a recliner or high chair. 3 Social Engagement. 4 Following a red object.

What are some behavioral markers of autism in young children?

In particular, researchers have examined behavioral markers in young infants such as smiling and visual attention during face-to-face interactions 1,6. Social engagement skills are intact after birth in children with autism and the decline of these skills is often one of the things that parents notice as a potential marker for autism 3.