When I read about in reputable , I relate to almost everything that is described (keeping in mind that no two autistic people are alike). However, I always read the sections on with bewilderment. I don't identify either with the obsessive need to make eye contact, which UK and US books often mention as behavior, or with the difficulties in making it.
I suspect—and this is the interesting part—that 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).
I assume that in the Anglo-Saxon world people look into each other's eyes (or believe they do), whereas here, in Spain, we tend to shift our gaze more, from the listener's face to the surroundings, etc. I don't know; it's possible. I find it difficult to find good references online. Most of the ones I come across compare East Asia with the Anglo-Saxon world.
When you speak with people, where do you direct your gaze?
I think I look at the face in general, but I also look at my surroundings, etc. No one has ever commented that I don't maintain eye contact properly during a conversation.
The whole thread ends with two questions:
1. How large are the cultural differences surounding eye contact in conversations, between the US-UK and Spain, Italy, France, or Portugal?
2. Are English textbooks on autism obsessed on this because this is really an autism problem or because of their own cultural context?