A new perspective on social communication in autism: the double empathy problem

Subjects: Psychology >> Medical Psychology submitted time 2023-09-08

Wang Xin Caoshoujing

Abstract： Abstract：
Under the guidance of traditional biomedical models, most studies have attributed the social communication deficits in autism to their own social shortcomings. However, the “Double Empathy” problem is rooted in the bidirectional nature of social communication. Autistic individuals face difficulties in integrating into the social environment not only because they themselves struggle to understand typical neurotypical individuals, but also because neurotypical individuals find it challenging to understand autism. Due to a mismatch in perception and understanding between autistic and neurotypical individuals, there is a bidirectional disconnect of information, thereby resulting in difficulties in their interactions. A series of related studies have confirmed the existence of the “Double Empathy” problem, with its internal mechanisms including differences in behavioral expressions and stigmatization. Interventions can be carried out through shared reading patterns, peer support, and interpersonal synchronization methods. Future research should focus on social communication in autistic individuals across different age groups, taking into account the unique expressions of empathy in autism, conducting in-depth studies of the interaction processes between both parties, and encouraging the development of more effective intervention.

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