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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Autism, Empathy and Neurodiversity
1School of Global Affairs, County South, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YD, UK.
Abstract:
Autism is typically understood to involve a lack of empathy. This does not fit a neurodiversity position whereby some or all aspects of autism are differences rather than disorders. The double-empathy problem provides a neurodiversity-compatible account whereby there is a mutual lack of empathy between autistic and nonautistic people. The author argues that the double-empathy problem is compatible with some autistic people having significantly reduced capacity for empathy. Portrayals of the double-empathy problem, which do not recognize this, could alienate autistic people who do have empathy deficits, increase conflict between autistic individuals, and increase conflict between autistic and nonautistic individuals.
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