The double empathy problem, proposed by researcher Dr. Damian Milton in 2012, fundamentally challenges the long-held assumption that autistic people lack empathy or social understanding. Instead, it frames communication difficulties as a two-way problem.

What the Theory Says

Traditional autism theory suggested that autistic people have a deficit in “theory of mind,” the ability to understand others’ mental states. The double empathy problem argues that when two people with very different experiences of the world interact, mutual understanding is difficult. Non-autistic people struggle to understand autistic people just as much as the reverse.

Research Support

Studies have supported this theory. Research published in 2020 showed that autistic people share information with other autistic people just as effectively as non-autistic people share with each other. The breakdown occurs specifically at the interface between neurotypes, not within either group. This finding directly challenges the idea that autistic people inherently lack social communication skills.

Implications for Practice

If communication difficulties are mutual, then the solution is not solely to teach autistic people to communicate “normally.” Non-autistic people, including therapists, teachers, and family members, also need to learn to understand autistic communication styles. Clear, direct communication, reduced reliance on implied meaning, and patience during interactions benefit everyone.

What This Means for ABA

Modern ABA practice is increasingly informed by the double empathy problem. Rather than training autistic individuals to mask their natural communication style, effective therapy builds genuine communication skills while helping the broader environment become more accommodating and understanding.