When a child makes meaningful eye contact for the first time it is a very special event. The bond between a parent and child strengthens. Some children give great eye contact in the first few weeks of life while others establish eye contact around three months of age. All babies are different in how they develop.
As children reach the 12 month level they are starting to use eye contact in different ways by looking at people and objects to make requests. Even if a child does not have any words they are communicating with eye gaze, gestures and different consonant-vowel combinations.
Some children give very poor or fleeting eye contact. If they look at you it is for a few seconds or they look to the side of your face. Many parents have reported that they feel as if their child is looking through them. Other children avert their eye gaze completely. Several parents have reported that their child used to have great eye contact but regressed near their 2nd birthday.
Your primary care provider can check this out and they can make a referral to a developmental optometrist. In most cases there are no vision issues.
Early Intervention providers (SLP, OT, and PT) can assess for delays and commence behavioral therapies.
3 ways to improve eye contact with your child:
1. Get on the floor and play with your child. Share an activity with them, e.g., ball play, container play, stacking blocks.
2. Bring objects or toys of interest to your eye level. When a child looks at you make a big deal of it, i.e., give lots and lots of verbal praise.
3. Remove milk and dairy products from the child’s diet. Many parents have reported sustained and prolonged eye contact from their children when dairy is removed from their diet.
If no changes occur after the aforementioned recommendations, then ask a Naturopathic Doctor to create an individualized dietary/nutritional and homeopathic plan to support your child’s development.
Sean E. Heerey ND, MA, CCC/SLP
You May Also Like...
Detoxing with Infrared Saunas
Toxins are everywhere. They are in the water we drink, the air we breathe, the fabric and products…
Talking Tinnitus and Fresh Tick Bites
For treating Lyme, you can always see an ENT doctor. They are specialists in tinnitus. There is not…
Lemon Tahini Sauce
For those of us who avoid nightshade foods and dairy, finding a good condiment or sauce to add…
Getting Your Child to Try New Foods
Sean E. Heerey ND, MA, CCC/SLP Many parents have told me that their child only eats yogurt and…
Spring Veggie Noodle Bowl
Finding a good gluten-free noodle dish can be challenging at most restaurants as only a few carry…
Wild Salmon Tacos
We Californians love our tacos, especially a good fish taco. Unfortunately, so many fish are now…
Eczema: More Than Just a Skin Condition
If you have ever had poison ivy then you understand how extremely itchy it can be. Now imagine…
Why Fat is Good For You
Sugars and fats have been under scrutiny for what seems like forever. For the last 40 years, the…
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Ingredients 1/3 cup organic olive or avocado oil 2 cloves organic garlic, finely chopped 1 large…