Dispelling Myths: The Truth About Empathy in Individuals with Autism
One of the most persistent prejudices about individuals with autism is the misconception that they lack empathy. In reality, many autistic individuals are highly empathetic, while some may not experience empathy in the traditional sense.
Regardless of where
individuals fall on the empathy spectrum, what unites autistic individuals is
their unique processing and expression of emotions compared to neurotypical
individuals. This distinction has led neurotypical observers to mistakenly
conclude that people with autism lack empathy.
Whether experiencing high or low empathy, autistics often react more slowly in social situations compared to neurotypicals. When they do respond, it may deviate from neurotypical norms, leading to negative interpretations. Autistics with high empathy may take time to disentangle from others' emotions and formulate an appropriate response, while those with low empathy may analyze the situation, weigh suitable reactions, and compose a response.
Social Realities for Autistic Individuals: The Call for Empathy Beyond Norms
Regardless of their level of empathy, individuals with autism expend significantly more energy in understanding and responding to social interactions than neurotypicals. This is why many autistic people become fatigued more quickly in social settings. Moreover, the social game is riskier for those, who have the perception of constantly "making mistakes" in neurotypicals' eyes. Negative experiences in social interactions prompt many autistic people to be overly vigilant, leading to masking behaviors in social interactions.
Autistic people have spent their lives learning to communicate on neurotypical terms; now, it is crucial for society to understand and embrace a nuanced view of autism, empathy, and social interaction. Neurotypical individuals also bear the responsibility of learning to be empathetic in ways that transcend conventional norms, offering a solution to the double empathy problem.
Source: https://dk.specialisterne.com/hvem-siger-at-autister-ikke-kan-vaere-empatiske/
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