They say the eyes are the window the soul. I have found that this true! I consicously have been making eye contact with the young people I work with who have special needs. I find that when I make eye contact, they have a look of surprise. This is followed by a sudden sense of connection between the young person and myself. It is as if I have suddenly chosen to enter into their world.
Try it out while doing a joint fun activity. For example, sit facing each other and hold hands and sing and move forward and back together to the nursery rhyme, Row Your Boat.” Look towards their eyes and hold you gaze till they make eye contact. Let them hold it for as long as they want and then let it go. Give it about 30 seconds before trying it out again.
If you don’t feel like singing, trying the rowing action to this song:
Young people can sometimes react with fear at making eye contact as they may not be comfortable with others entering their world. So start with just a little eye contact and gradually build it up.
Young people with a visual impairment, may prefer this activity being modified to speaking directly to them and saying their name and singing towards them.
Give it a try! Let me know how the experience went for you in the comments below.
Feel Better Music Therapy 