Eye contact

This happened awhile ago, but I remembered it today and it just tickled my funny bone all over again!

Me: "Ok honey, I need you to look at me with your eyes when you say that sentence."
Kiddo with autism (and an extreme case of the Mondays complete with angry eyes and voice): "BUT I DON'T LIKE LOOKING AT PEOPLE WHEN I TALK TO THEEEEM!"

He was very emphatic. And cute all at the same time, I just can't help it! We proceeded to have a nice conversation about why it is important to look at people because, "It makes them feel good because they know you are listening to them," the day got better, and I eventually got some eye contact. 

I have to say though, it was refreshing to get an honest response about his feelings and frustrations. Because, yeah, he probably doesn't like looking at people when he's talking to them, and is that so wrong? I've been struggling a bit lately with this concept. I mean, basically society has put all of these constraints on how people are "supposed" to act and if you don't act that way your labeled. On the other hand we are all different, and I feel like we should be appreciated instead of admonished for our differences. Where is the line between different and disorder? (And yes, I know there's tons of research on this, and yes, I know I'm going a little off track here, this student clearly has autism and needs services, but I think it's ALWAYS important to question yourself and your beliefs and how you can best serve your kiddos) At the same time though, it is important for him to understand that his behavior/responses affect others and for him to be able to consider how others feel, and I guess this is where I come in, to help him unlock a little of the mystery behind interacting with others.