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 number of researchers have studied the “Double Empathy” problem to understand the specific types of social signals between autistic and neurotypical individuals and the actual interactions between the two parties. Previous studies have shown that neurotypical individuals have difficulties understanding the psychological states of autistic individuals, often leading to the rapid formation of prejudices and a reduced willingness to interact with autistic individuals. However, autistic individuals experienced increased pleasure, better understanding, and reduced stress when interacting with others who was diagnosed as autism. Pooling findings from multiple multi-class research studies, it becomes evident that autistic individuals face a dual empathy challenge when socializing with neurotypical individuals. Further examination reveals that this issue arises from differences in behavioral expressions between both parties and the presence of stigmatization.

Certain interventions have aimed to adjust the behaviors of autistic individuals to conform to neurotypical norms, but they may not result in long-term benefits and could inadvertently encourage pretense, impose pressure to change, and heighten anxiety in autistic individuals. Several innovative interventions are available to tackle the root issues associated with the "Double Empathy" problem. One such intervention involves shared reading patterns, which facilitate joint contemplation of literature and improve comprehension of diverse thought processes. Additionally, peer support initiatives help in nurturing a positive self-image and fostering a stronger sense of belonging through mutual assistance. Furthermore, interpersonal synchronization has the potential to enhance social connections, promote closeness, and foster intimacy without attempting to alter behaviors that may be considered atypical for autistic individuals.

Several shortcomings in the current research on the “Double Empathy” problem point to areas for future investigation. Firstly, the research has limitations in its target group, as it does not encompass individuals in childhood—a crucial period for social interaction development—and employs a relatively small sample size. Future research should broaden its scope to include individuals of all ages to explore both commonalities and disparities between groups, thereby forming a developmental understanding of social interaction in both groups. Second, neurotypical individuals have difficulties understanding the expressions of autistic individuals, which may underestimate the empathy abilities of autistic individuals. Future research should consider the distinctive ways in which autistic individuals express empathy and respond to it. This can be achieved through interviews with autistic individuals, interactions with autistic individuals’ family members, and by incorporating multiple perspectives to gain a more accurate understanding of the intentions of autistic individuals. Additionally, research should explore how neurotypical individuals interpret the visual signals conveyed by autistic individuals. This could be accomplished using eye-tracking technology or brain imaging methods to delve deeper into the characteristics of these interactions. Thirdly, it's worth noting that the current studies are predominantly situated within a Western cultural context, lacking diversity in cultural backgrounds. Future research should pay attention to the potential impact of cultural environments on the “Double Empathy” problem.

Key words: the double empathy problem, ASD, social communication