Double Empathy Problem
Communication breakdown between autistic and non-autistic people is mutual, not a one-sided deficit. Challenges 'autistics lack empathy' models.
AutismSocial CommunicationIdentity
Layer 2: Validated
Clinical Recognition
Developed by autistic researcher Damian Milton. Peer-reviewed research validates the theory. Increasingly cited in autism research and education.
Community Validation
Revolutionary impact in autistic advocacy. Provides scientific framework for 'neurotypicals don't understand us either.'
Published
17 December 2025 by Team Heumans
The Double Empathy Problem is the theory that communication breakdowns between autistic and non-autistic people are mutual failures, not one-sided deficits. Neurotypicals fail to understand autistic communication just as much as autistics struggle with neurotypical social cues.
For decades, the clinical narrative was "autistic people lack empathy and can't read social situations." The Double Empathy Problem responds: "Non-autistic people can't read autistic social situations either. Who has the deficit now?"