Making Eye Contact
Eye contact supports emotional connection and confidence, but many autistic children find it genuinely difficult — processing speech and facial expression at the same time can be overwhelming. These games introduce eye contact as a way of communicating, gently and at the child's own pace.
Why this matters
Eye contact is uncomfortable for many autistic people, and forcing it can make things worse rather than better. The aim here is comfort and choice, not compliance.
Practising with a character on screen removes the social pressure of a real face, which makes it a far easier place to start.
What your child practises
Looking towards a face
Directing attention to a character's face as part of an activity.
Noticing where someone is looking
Following gaze to work out what has someone's attention.
Brief, comfortable glances
Short looks rather than sustained staring, which is what real conversation uses.
Linking looking with communicating
Connecting eye contact to the exchange it is part of.
How the games work
- Characters are animated and friendly, so looking at a face is inviting rather than demanding.
- Nothing requires sustained eye contact — brief glances are enough to progress.
- A child can move at their own pace, with no timer or pressure to look for longer.
Whizkid Games was developed using DSM-5 criteria with input from specialists, educators and families, and is designed for children with level 2 and 3 autism. For background reading on this skill area, see the parent guide on Autism Games.
Start free today
Download Whizkid Games and get six free games to begin with, including activities from Making Eye Contact.