What is the double empathy problem in relation to autism communication?

PostedDecember 3, 2025

UpdatedDecember 3, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The double empathy problem in autism challenges the long-held idea that communication breakdowns are one-sided. Instead, it suggests that difficulties arise because autistic and non-autistic people often struggle to understand each other equally. So, when we talk about the double empathy problem in autism, we’re acknowledging that it’s not just autistic individuals who need to adapt; everyone does.

This concept shifts the focus from difference to deficits. Rather than framing autistic communication as inherently flawed, it highlights how differences in processing and perspective can lead to mutual misunderstanding. What one person sees as blunt, another sees as honest; what one experiences as distant, another experiences as calm. In this light, neurodiversity communication is not a one-way street; it requires shared effort and understanding. Encouraging social reciprocity means valuing both sides of the conversation, not just expecting one to ‘fit in’ with the other.

How It Shows Up in Daily Life

Here are a few examples of how the double empathy gap can appear in everyday interactions between autistic and non-autistic individuals:

Different Conversation Styles

Autistic individuals may prefer direct, clear communication, which can be misread as rude or abrupt by others.

Emotional Expression Gaps

A person’s calm exterior might be misinterpreted as indifference, even when they’re feeling deeply engaged or empathetic.

Misaligned Social Expectations

Small talk, eye contact, or humour might be valued differently, causing both sides to feel confused or uncomfortable.

Creating understanding starts with listening to both voices.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations that honour neurodiverse communication styles.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Communication Challenges.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.