April is Autism Acceptance Month, dedicated to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and celebrating neurodiversity.
Recently there has been growing exposure to the double empathy problem, coined by Dr. Damian Milton in 2012. This is a theory proposing that any communication breakdowns between autistic and non-autistic people are a shared responsibility, rather than a one-sided deficit in empathy or communication by the autistic person.
This theory suggests that two people with different experiences of the world, such as different cognitive and social styles, will naturally struggle to understand and empathise with each other.
Key aspects of the double empathy problem include:
- Bidirectional Challenge: Misunderstandings happen in both directions; neurotypical people often struggle to understand autistic people just as much as vice-versa.
- Different Experiences: The issue stems from differing ways of experiencing the world, rather than a lack of social capacity.
- Beyond “Theory of Mind”: It challenges the traditional view that autistic individuals simply lack a “theory of mind,” instead suggesting that social interaction is a two-way process that requires, but often fails, mutual understanding.
- Impact on Relationships: It highlights that communication barriers can lead to social, and psychological distress, including the need for “masking” in autistic individuals.
- Mutual Responsibility: Solutions require both parties to make an effort to understand different communication styles, rather than expecting only the autistic person to adapt.
Autistic Insight Into Non‑Autistic Culture
- Milton notes that autistic people often understand non‑autistic communication better than the reverse—because they’ve had to, in order to navigate society and apply expected behaviours and interactions.
Value of the Theory
- Milton’s model challenges the idea that autistic people lack theory of mind.
- It reframes communication differences as mutual misunderstandings, not deficits.
- Autistic empathy is equally human, compassionate, and valid—just expressed differently.
Research supports that autistic individuals often communicate more effectively with other autistic individuals, demonstrating that the communication breakdown is specifically related to the interaction between different neurotypes.
What does this mean for autistic employees? And what support can be offered in the workplace?
It would suggest that an approach for workplace support not only helps the autistic employee but includes their colleagues and manager also. This holistic approach to providing support could increase awareness and understanding of the differences in communication and interactions and reduce the instance of misunderstandings.
This support could be in the form of awareness sessions presented by an expert and providing knowledge about autism, guidance about language to use, examples of supportive working practices and much more.
Additionally, coaching for small groups or managers or individual employees could explore helpful strategies to apply at work and discuss tailored solutions to any issues.
If you would like further information on support then please contact us on hellond@microlinkpc.com
References:
Autism Education Trust: double-empathy.docx
Milton’s ‘double Empathy Problem’: A Summary for Non-academics – Reframing Autism
Milton, D. (2012) On the Ontological Status of Autism: the ‘Double Empathy Problem’. Disability and Society. Vol. 27(6): 883-887.
National Autistic Society: The double empathy problem
The double empathy paradox: why it’s time to meet half way
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