Please do NOT look me in the eye

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and don't insist I look you in the eye either!

I just read a news article about a group in Oregon that promotes understanding of and respect for those with developmental disabilities, yet the name of their organization is "Look Me in the Eye." Apparently they go to elementary schools and put on shows and such to teach children that others with disabilities deserve respect. I appreciate that is a good idea, but I think their slogan sucks! I contacted their web site and wrote the following just now to them:

Am I off my rocker here or does anyone else get what I am trying to say to them? Does anyone else think that is perhaps not the best slogan to use for a group that teaches elementary school children about those with developmental disabilities? It's probably too late for them to change their name, and they probably won't, but does anyone have any suggestions for a BETTER name or slogan for their organization?

Lol, what if their whole campaign of teaching respect is all about "look me in the eye." Is that really a good idea, and why do they assume that is a way of teaching or showing respect? It seems to me someone NOT familiar with developmental disabilities wrote that slogan. If enough people complained, maybe they would change it, but again, am I wrong to think it is a bad slogan? Comments? Suggestions anyone? Feel free to check them out at Look Me In The Eye

edit added: I just did a quick Google search on using eye, contact, and autism as the three key words for the search. Apparently there have been some studies that show eye contact triggers threat signals in autistic children's brains, and there is some controversy over whether or not autistic children should be forced to look people in the eye.
Eye Contact Triggers Threat Signals in Autistic Children's Brains

Encouraging Eye Contact May Disturb Autistic Kids' Thinking

I tend to give a hateful stare if someone
think they can make me do it.

I agree with what you are saying. "Please don't Look Me in the Eye." would be a better slogan.

My son was taught to look us in the eyes, it didn't take too much to teach him this and now he does it a lot, pretty much in the way a typically developing child would.
He is non-verbal so it is a moderately useful functional thing for him, he can see when he has our attention and vice versa.
Also the majority of the other Autistic children I know make eye contact with me, but I also know that some kids do not make or like making eye contact.
It makes me wonder how many Autistic people do have trouble with eye contact and perhaps its nothing to do with Autism, plenty of shy NT kids will not look you in the eyes.

It has to do with autism and it also has to do with social anxiety. Two different causes (and possibly others).

I experience no anxiety about eye contact, but I find it very difficult and sometimes painful. I was often punished as a child for not making eye contact.

I find the slogan to be rather irksome, as it seems to convey the notion that it is OK or even preferential to look in their eyes. That would be akin to holding an event promoting Jewish culture and serving pork or other non-Kosher noshes.

Carry over from when I was young. Parents forced me to look them in the eye. Hate it. I have to for work and as a sign of respect but would prefer Not looking people in the eye.