The Double Empathy Problem
The Double Empathy Problem is a concept that offers a different perspective on how autistic people interact with non-autistic people. For a long time it was suggested or presumed that “autistic people were not good in social situations”, and if there were any difficulties in communication it was “the fault of the autistic person”.
This theory, proposed by Damian Milton, challenges the traditional view that autistic individuals “lack empathy or have inherent social communication deficits”.
Autistic & non-autistic people struggle to understand each other
Instead, it suggests that when autistic and non-autistic individuals interact, both parties may struggle to understand each other due to differing experiences, perceptions, and communication styles.
Research supporting the Double Empathy Problem indicates that both autistic and non-autistic individuals may have difficulty interpreting each other's intentions, emotions, and expressions.
Mismatch of social expectations and communication styles
Studies have shown that non-autistic people can misinterpret autistic individuals' facial expressions and make snap judgments that affect their interactions negatively. However, when autistic individuals interact with each other, they often do not encounter the same communication barriers, suggesting that the issue lies in the mismatch of social expectations and communication styles rather than in a one-sided deficit.
Easier to relate to other autistic individuals
This concept also aligns with findings that autistic individuals might find it easier to understand and relate to other autistic individuals. They are less likely to adhere strictly to typical social norms and give each other more freedom to express themselves uniquely.
This mutual understanding among autistic individuals supports the idea that communication issues are NOT inherent to autism - but are significantly influenced by the interaction between differing neurotypes: it is more about how autistic and non-autistic people interact together.
Need for mutual effort
The Double Empathy Problem not only challenges existing theories that frame social communication differences as deficits but also calls for a more inclusive understanding of autism.
It also emphasises the need for mutual effort in bridging communication gaps and fostering understanding between autistic and non-autistic individuals.
Our experience
From our experience, autistic people can and do have flourishing friendships and relationships; where they are free to be themselves and communicate in ways that suit their preferences.
These “successful” relationships are often with other autistic people, and we hope to increase and improve the relationships between autistic and non-autistic people; to encourage everyone to increase their awareness and understanding of the differences in communication styles so that their is mutual effort in bridging communication gaps.
Stimming
Stimming freely in social situations can help autistic people be and express themselves freely:
Stims can be used to express happiness or enhance the enjoyment of listening to music
Stims can be used to regulate emotions if someone is feeling sad or overwhelmed
Stims can be used to help with sensory regulation, such as noisy pubs or bright cafes