The Double Empathy Problem: Communication and Empathy as a Two-Way Street

The double empathy problem theory suggests that difficulties in understanding and empathizing with non-autistic people faced by autistic individuals are not due to an empathy deficit, but rather a breakdown in mutual understanding. This theory acknowledges that communication and empathy flow in both directions, with both autistics and neurotypicals facing challenges in understanding each other's perspectives and experiences. Autistic individuals may struggle with reading nonverbal cues like body language, while neurotypicals may have difficulty grasping the direct and honest communication style of autism. The double empathy problem addresses the limitations of the traditional theory of mind, which claimed that autistics lack an intuitive understanding of other people's mental states. By recognizing and exploring the different ways autistics and non-autistics communicate, the double empathy problem offers a more comprehensive explanation for social difficulties experienced by autistics.