Table of Contents
Do People With Autism Feel Empathy?
When autism and empathy come up in conversation, people often default to narrow, stereotype-driven thinking. Traditional narratives have painted individuals with autism as having an “empathy deficit,” with significant challenges in social perception and interaction purportedly stemming from this characterization. However, over the past decades, evolving research has challenged these notions, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of autism and empathy.
Do people with autism feel empathy?
Yes, but the way they express and experience it may differ. To understand this better, we need to challenge outdated assumptions and examine autism and empathy through a lens that respects neurodiversity.
This blog by ABA Centers of Pennsylvania aims to dispel outdated stereotypes, explore cutting-edge research, such as the Double Empathy Problem, and offer steps for fostering better social understanding and support for people with autism.
Autism Empathy: Challenging the Empathy Deficit Narrative
For decades, autism was defined through a deficit model: difficulty with social communication, reduced emotional awareness, and a supposed lack of empathy. However, new research and the voices of individuals with autism themselves are reshaping that view.
Empathy is not a single, monolithic skill. It has different components, primarily cognitive empathy (understanding what others feel) and affective empathy (feeling alongside someone else). According to researchers, individuals with autism showed more pronounced challenges in cognitive empathy, but affective empathy was far more nuanced and often misunderstood.
In fact, some people on the spectrum report experiencing emotions more intensely. This experience is sometimes called the “empathy imbalance hypothesis” or the “intense world” theory. They may deeply feel what others are going through, but struggle to express it in ways that neurotypical observers recognize.
That disconnect can lead to damaging misinterpretations. As one study noted, neurotypical individuals often judge autistic facial expressions as negative, even when the person reported neutral or positive emotions. So, it’s not always about what’s missing—sometimes it’s just being missed.
Effortful and Conditional Empathy
For many individuals on the autism spectrum, empathy isn’t absent but instead requires more effort. This effort could involve consciously decoding social cues, body language, or tone, which can be exhausting over time.
Another nuance is conditional empathy. Studies show that many individuals with autism find it easier to empathize with close family members, friends, animals, or others within the autistic community. This way of empathizing explains why many report deep emotional connections within groups that share similar communication styles, interests, or neurotypes.
The Double Empathy Problem: It’s Not One-Sided
The idea that individuals with autism lack empathy is being replaced by a more accurate, more respectful framework: The Double Empathy Problem. Research published by Frontiers in Psychiatry suggests that communication breakdowns between autistic and non-autistic people stem from mutual misunderstanding, not a flaw on one side alone.
In fact, when individuals with autism interact with one another, studies show that they experience higher rapport, greater enjoyment, and less stress compared to when they’re paired with neurotypical people. These findings flip the script. Social difficulties aren’t just internal—they’re situational and relational.
Understanding these findings can reshape how we design interventions and support. Instead of trying to “fix” autistic behavior to align with neurotypical norms, we can focus on building shared understanding and adapting environments.
Implications of the Double Empathy Problem
Recognizing that both parties play a role in social misunderstandings has significant implications:
- It shifts the burden away from “fixing” autistic individuals and encourages mutual growth and understanding.
- It validates neurodiverse modes of communication as equally valuable rather than labeling them as “atypical.”
- It emphasizes creating environments where all participants feel respected and understood.
Empathy in Autism: Why Disclosure and Context Matter
Research by the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that when people knew the person they were interacting with had autism, they reported more empathy, higher interest, and better emotional accuracy. Being informed changed how they listened and connected.
That’s the power of openness—and the value of shifting social narratives.
Supporting empathy in autism means fostering environments where individuals with autism feel safe disclosing their neurotype and where others have enough context to respond with understanding instead of judgment.
Building Empathy Skills Through Neuro-affirmative Approaches
Creating a world that understands and embraces neurodiversity requires a supportive, affirming approach to autism. Here’s how caregivers can support their loved ones to achieve it:
- Neuro-affirmative Practices
Neuro-affirmative support prioritizes adapting structures to fit the needs and perspectives of individuals with autism instead of pressuring them to conform to neurotypical norms. Tools such as digital social narratives allow individuals with autism to set and achieve their own social goals in authentic ways.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
ABA therapy can include strategies specifically aimed at improving empathy skills and communication. For example:
- Teaching emotion-recognition techniques to help individuals identify and express their feelings.
- Practicing active listening skills to strengthen mutual conversation understanding.
- Encouraging role-playing exercises to explore and interpret diverse perspectives.
- Peer Support and Neurotype-matching
Research demonstrates that individuals with autism generally have more positive and fulfilling interactions with other autistic people. Peer support initiatives provide spaces for individuals on the spectrum to connect, learn, and grow in understanding without facing judgment or miscommunication.
- Shared Reading and Storytelling
Engaging in shared reading sessions has proven to be an effective way to explore perspectives and build empathy. Discussing literature, characters, and narratives encourages both autistic and neurotypical participants to contemplate diverse thought processes and develop compassion for varying viewpoints.
Toward a More Empathetic Society
Reframing empathy in autism requires moving beyond stereotypes and traditional views. By understanding new concepts like the Double Empathy Problem, promoting neuro-affirmative practices, and fostering mutual respect between neurotypes, we can create a world that values diverse communication styles and truly celebrates neurodiversity.
Empathy isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s a dynamic and deeply personal experience. When we allow for multiple forms of expression and make space for mutual understanding, we don’t just expand our knowledge – we expand our humanity.
Want to Learn More or Get Support?
If you or someone you love is navigating autism, you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for diagnostic evaluations, early intervention, or personalized ABA therapy, ABA Centers of Pennsylvania is here to help.
Reach out today for compassionate, evidence-based support that honors your journey and empowers your growth. Call us at (844) 444-7496 or fill out our online form.
Empathy isn’t a one-way street. It’s something we build together.
