In the paper, Milton argues that the challenges autistic people face in social interactions are not solely due to impairments or differences in autistic individuals themselves. Rather, there is a two-way lack of understanding between autistic people and non-autistic people (neurotypicals).
Neurotypicals struggle to infer the mental states of autistic people, just as autistic people struggle to infer the mental states of neurotypicals. This mutual lack of understanding leads to communication breakdowns and social exclusion.
So the "double empathy problem" refers to the empathy and communication difficulties going in both directions between autistics and neurotypicals. By naming this two-way dynamic, Milton challenged the common assumption that social difficulties in autism are solely an impairment within autistic individuals.
With this in mind, a recent article in the Scientific American challenges the stereotypes around the “double empathy problem.” Research now shows many autistic people strongly desire friendship and community (really?!), but face barriers due to misconceptions, stigma, and the "double empathy problem" - neurotypicals struggling to understand autistic social cues. Again, this leads to negative first impressions, relationship challenges, and social exclusion. Studies find autistic people may be even more motivated for social bonds than neurotypicals (really?!). Dismantling false assumptions is critical so autistic people can build supportive networks and lead happier lives. The role of neurotypicals in causing social barriers is being increasingly recognized (really?!). More autistic involvement in research is combating outdated views. But work remains to address vulnerable groups like autistic women and girls. Overall, the article makes a strong case that with greater reciprocity and understanding from neurotypicals, autistic people can overcome obstacles and fulfill their wish for meaningful connections.
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Are you familiar with the concept of "the uncanny valley"? I've been fascinated with it since I first heard about it a few months ago. I have a feeling that this concept might explain why neurotypicals - in addition to all the stereotypes they believe about us - frequently seem to be unnerved by us, or find us "creepy" for reasons the usually can't articulate. The mismatch between their nonverbal queues and ours maybe leaves them with that "not quite human" impression of us.
Are you familiar with the concept of "the uncanny valley"? I've been fascinated with it since I first heard about it a few months ago. I have a feeling that this concept might explain why neurotypicals - in addition to all the stereotypes they believe about us - frequently seem to be unnerved by us, or find us "creepy" for reasons the usually can't articulate. The mismatch between their nonverbal queues and ours maybe leaves them with that "not quite human" impression of us.