I suspectโand this is the interesting partโthat there are significant cultural differences in this regard. In fact, the reputable Spanish books on autism that I have read don't address this topic (if I remember correctly).
Unless I am attracted to the person I almost never maintain eye contact while talking to them. Iโm from Greece btw, doing eye contact is normal, I see others do it, so I diverge there.
Definitely people here do intense full locked eye contact, which I canโt do, unless Iโm attracted to the person as I said. Even then Iโll move a bit around the face because itโs uncomfortable even then. But others just lock in completely I see them doing it.
OK. I guess that Greece may be similar to Spain. I feel comfortable hanging with greeks, in Greece and elswhere. Then, if I don't look at the eyes, but others do. I guess that I'm very good at masking that I don't look at the eyes. I never got a comment related to eye contact.
I donโt think itโs something people notice immediately and consciously think this is wrong to make a comment, they will probably just not feel the same connection or feel something is off about you in general or think that youโre busy thinking other things. Itโs not the only case to not make eye contact with someone, you might just not like them. Thatโs probably what they will sense.
I need to re wire my brain a bit. Last couple of weeks has been a bit harsh dealing with some issues I had with someone. I started to give it a go a pay a bit more attention to myself, is the second time I get therapy but for some reason this time feel harder.