The Double Empathy Problem, Explained by Rachel Zamzow

The Double Empathy Problem

• The theory suggests that communication breakdowns between autistic and allistic individuals are not solely due to the social shortcomings of autistic people. Instead, it posits that the issue is mutual, caused by difficulties in understanding each other. This theory aligns with the principles of neurodiversity, emphasizing that autistic people have a different way of communicating rather than a deficient one. It reframes the notion that autistic people have impaired theory of mind to include potential misunderstandings by allistic people.

Supporting Evidence

• Recent studies focus on how allistic individuals perform when interacting with autistic people, revealing that they may have their own communication challenges that contribute to the gap. For instance, allistic people may struggle to decipher the mental states portrayed by autistic individuals and may make snap judgments, leading to communication difficulties.

Social Compatibility

• Interactions between autistic individuals and those with similar traits or diagnoses tend to be smoother, suggesting that social compatibility plays a significant role. Autistic individuals report feeling more comfortable with peers who share their diagnosis and build better rapport with them.

Implications

• The double empathy problem challenges traditional diagnostic criteria for autism, suggesting that a focus on both sides of social interactions is essential. It may also impact the development of assessments, treatments, and training programs. Ableist therapies that emphasize teaching normative social skills may need to be reevaluated in favor of facilitating unique communication styles. Additionally, training programs for allistic individuals on how to interact with autistic people may become more important.