Double Empathy Problem
DEFINITION
The double empathy problem, theorized by Dr. Damian Milton, proposes that the social communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic people are mutual. Non-autistic people have equal difficulty understanding autistic social cues, facial expressions, and communication styles. The 'problem' is not in autistic people, it is in the mismatch.
WHY IT MATTERS
This reframes autism from a social deficit to a difference in social styles. Research supports it: autistic people communicate effectively with other autistic people. The breakdown occurs specifically at the autistic/non-autistic interface.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Autistic people do not lack empathy. Many are highly empathic. The double empathy problem explains social friction without placing the deficit exclusively in the autistic person.