The theory of the double empathy problem

Embedded within diagnostic criteria for autism is the idea that autistic people have impaired social understanding. A number of psychological theories suggest autistic people have a deficit in empathising with others or in 'theory of mind'. It is certainly true that autistic people, especially when young, can struggle to process and understand the 'quick-fire' social interactions that many non-autistic people take for granted. Yet to what extent do such interactions require empathy? To what extent do non-autistic people acquire a 'theory of autistic mind'? Where does the ability to predict the thoughts and actions of others reside? This presentation reflects on the concept of empathy in relation to autistic people and their interactions with non-autistic people. According to the theory of the 'double empathy problem', these issues are due to a breakdown in reciprocity and mutual understanding that can happen between people of very different dispositions.