By Adriel Silva
The term “Dual Empathy” was coined in 2012 by British sociologist and social psychologist Damian Elgin Maclean Milton, who is autistic and the father of an autistic person. He developed a theory that suggests that people with very different identities and communication styles — as is often the case between autistic and non-autistic people — may have more difficulty establishing empathy with each other. This reciprocal difficulty is what Milton refers to when discussing the problem of double empathy.
The dual empathy theory is a concept developed in the field of psychology, especially in relation to autism and social interaction. This theory suggests that difficulty with empathy is not only a problem for those on the autistic spectrum, but also involves the neurotypical person interacting with them. In other words, both parties may have difficulty understanding each other’s emotions and experiences.
The central idea is that empathy is a two-way street. Autistic people may have challenges reading social expressions and emotions from neurotypical individuals, while neurotypical individuals may fail to understand the unique ways autistic people communicate and express themselves. Thus, the theory draws attention to the need for a mutual effort to foster deeper understanding in interactions, fostering a more inclusive and communicative environment.
This concept can help change the perspective on relationships and promote greater acceptance and empathy in various social situations. It implies that understanding experiences, emotions and perspectives is not just the responsibility of one party (for example, neurotypical people) in relation to the other (such as autistic people); both need mutual understanding and empathy.
In this context, the theory of double empathy brings both positive and negative points that deserve to be highlighted. Among the positive aspects, the theory values diversity by emphasizing the need for mutual understanding, promoting a more inclusive vision that respects the different forms of human perceptions and interactions.
Furthermore, it can facilitate healthier social relationships, as people become more aware of the importance of understanding others in their own context. Another relevant point is empowerment, as the theory gives a voice to often marginalized populations, such as autistic people, reinforcing the idea that everyone has the right to be understood. Finally, by recognizing the complexity of emotional experiences among different groups, the theory promotes a richer and deeper dialogue.
On the other hand, there are still many challenges associated with its implementation. It may be difficult for some people to apply this theory in everyday interactions, especially in situations where mutual understanding is limited. Furthermore, there is a risk of overgeneralization, which can lead to misunderstandings, since the theory may not encompass all individual experiences. Shared responsibility may also generate reluctance to accept “blame” for a lack of empathy, since both sides are considered responsible for the lack of understanding. Furthermore, effective application of the theory may require specific skills, implying the need for education and training that are not always available.
Dual Empathy Theory offers an important insight into how our experiences and understandings shape our interactions. By understanding that empathy is a two-way process, we can work to create more inclusive environments where communication and understanding are central. This approach also helps to challenge biases and stereotypes, fostering a more welcoming, empathetic, and healthy environment for everyone.
