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.