[Autism - the problem of double empathy]

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Social Cognition
• Empathy Studies

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves social interaction and communication impairments.
• Social difficulties in autism are often linked to deficits in empathy and theory of mind.
• The 'double empathy problem' proposes social interaction challenges are mutual between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the concept of the double empathy problem in autism.
• To examine the characteristics and limitations of this concept.
• To evaluate its implications for understanding autism and neurodiversity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of empathy and autism research.
• Examination of the theoretical underpinnings of the double empathy problem.
• Discussion of its application in clinical and educational contexts.

Main Results:

• The double empathy problem reframes social interaction difficulties as a shared issue, not solely an autistic deficit.
• It highlights the role of neurodiversity in social communication.
• Limitations exist in its current explanatory power and practical application.

Conclusions:

• The double empathy problem offers a new perspective on autism's social challenges, emphasizing mutual understanding.
• Further research is needed to validate its clinical and educational utility.
• It encourages a broader societal understanding of neurodiversity and autism.