Teaching your students alternatives to demonstrate active listening during conversations can help them engage in positive peer interactions.
When holding a conversation, maintaining appropriate eye contact is a widely accepted way to show that someone is listening and actively engaging in the discussion. However, eye contact can be difficult for some students, particularly those with autism.
How to show active listening without direct eye contact
Alternatives to using eye contact to demonstrate active listening include using your body language to communicate through looks, as well as actions you can take to let the person you’re talking with know you’re paying attention.
“Listening Looks” don’t have to be direct eye contact; they could include:
- quick glances / short periods of eye contact
- picking a spot near the person’s face, forehead, temple, or nose area to focus on
- gazing near the person (over their shoulder or next to their head)
- looking at a shared object nearby
“Listening Actions” demonstrate that you are actively listening to the conversation and participating, even if you aren’t locking eyes with the other person. Consider using these listening actions:
- turning your body toward the person who is speaking
- nodding your head along with the conversation
- responding to conversational cues with “okay” or asking questions about topics
Through body language and participation in the conversation, your student or child can show that they are actively listening without needing to maintain direct eye contact if that makes them uncomfortable. There are plenty of alternatives they can try and see what feels most natural!
Social Skills PowerPoint Presentations
I Can Show I’m Listening PowerPoint Presentation
I Can Show I’m Listening Facilitator’s Guide
Listening Resource Materials
I Can Show I’m Listening Outline
I Can Show I’m Listening Teacher Note
I Can Show I’m Listening Parent Note
I Can Show I’m Listening Magnet Cards
I Can Show I’m Listening Mini-Schedule
I Can Show I’m Listening Homework
I Can Show I’m Listening Activity
This resource was authored by Watson Institute Special Education Consultant, Andee Morris, M.Ed.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.