Overview
The Double Empathy Problem
The Theory of the Double Empathy Problem, was developed by Autistic researcher, Dr. Damian Milton. This theory recognizes that communication gaps experienced between Autistics and Non-Autistics are not due to an inherent flaw in Autistic communication or a lack of Autistic empathy; instead, miscommunication occurs because these two groups experience the world in very different ways. (Milton, 2012, Rose et al., 2022) Moreover, because Autistics are part of a neurominority, there is a power imbalance which has resulted in the historical pathologization of Autistics by the Non-Autistic neuromajority who dictates what is acceptable and what is not.(Milton, 2012, 2016)
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What is double empathy and why does it matter for autistic people?
Autistic Occupational Therapist and content creator, Stephanie Bethel, helps to interpret the Double Empathy problem with concrete examples and more accessible language. https://www.stephaniebethany.com/blog
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