07/14/2023
In recent years, researchers have been exploring the social-communication differences of Autism through a new lens. Rather than focusing exclusively on Autistic people, research has included Allistics in the studies to assess social interaction across multiple contexts. The research uses a neuroaffirmative approach and moves away from the pathology paradigm by examining socialization in a more meticulous way. The goal is to analyze communication styles amongst people without stigmatizing Autism.
Thus, the Double Empathy Theory was born. This theory suggests that social-communication breakdowns are due to mutual misunderstanding between both Autistic AND Allistic people. In other words, both neurotypes contribute equally to strained social interaction. This research contradicts preconceived notions about Autism, and brings new light to human diversity.
The Double Empathy Theory is supported by data that indicates Allistic people struggle to understand the mental states, emotions, and facial expressions of Autistics. This directly mirrors section A of the DSM criteria for Autism that defines social-communication deficits presumed inherent to Autism. However, the data suggests that Allistics are equally "impaired" when communicating with Autistics. Further research discovered that Allistics were also more likely to have rash negative perceptions and snap judgments of Autistic people. The misguided assumptions made by Allistic people significantly hindered social connection between the two neurotypes.
Additionally, the studies examined social interaction between two Autistic people and discovered that the aforementioned challenges were not prevalent in these scenarios. So, Autistic people successfully engage in reciprocal communication with other Autistics, which further supports the idea of differences, not deficits.
Difficulty with socialization is mutual, and Autistic communication styles should be respected for their differences rather than treated as a medical deficit. Especially, since the role of Allistic communication styles contribute just as much to the social challenges.
