Do autism 'experts' really think that we have little or no empathy??

[SageRose]

It's come to my notice that some websites in which supposed 'autism experts' write, seem to pass around the notion that autistics (in general), have either little or no empathy at all. Now I know that in some cases, SOME people with autism appear to have little empathy or at least their empathy is hardly evident, but I also know that the 'lack of empathy' thing is one of the most ignorant notions one could have about autistics out there, or in the best case, a misunderstanding caused by lack of proper knowledge or experience with ND people.

What's your experience in that? Have you ever been told or heard someone saying that autistics supposedly have no empathy? Have you ever met a therapist who believed that?

I had actually read a list of traits of girls and women with Aspergers recently and I remember it included that specific trait, in generalized terms. It had no parenthesis to specify that it could be true for 'some' cases, but it was generally listed as if it was true for all. I'm trying to remember the source of that list, I will post it if I find it.

 

[china autie]

The no empathy thing is an excuse to consider us sub-human.

Arrrgh.

[I object to professionals saying that, not to you for bringing it up].

 

[SageRose]

The no empathy thing is an excuse to consider us sub-human.

Arrrgh.

[I object to professionals saying that, not to you for bringing it up].

No worries, I know what you meant, and I totally agree

 

[Judge]

I'm inclined to believe that far too much analysis of autistic traits and behaviors by Neurotypical medical professionals has been predicated mostly based on what they see or hear. Not what we feel.

That much of the medical community is fixated on cursory evaluation and assumptions. Given that we don't necessarily project our feelings in a manner they as Neurotypicals can so easily relate to, that how we truly feel and experience things is often lost or misunderstood by them.

 

[SageRose]

I'm inclined to believe that far too much analysis of autistic traits and behaviors by Neurotypical medical professionals has been predicated mostly based on what they see or hear. Not what we feel.

That much of the medical community is fixated on cursory evaluation and assumptions. Given that we don't necessarily project our feelings in a manner they as Neurotypicals can so easily relate to, that how we truly feel and experience things is often lost or misunderstood by them.

Nicely explained

 

[GCat3000]

Erm actually no.... They just say we have no cognitive empathy. Cognitive Empathy causes you to know what others are feeling. Emotional Empathy which we have tons of makes us care about how others are feeling.

If you want to what a person who is the opposite of autistic is called it's sociopath.

If you want to know about them look up, Jack The Ripper, Ted Bundy, Stalin and Trump.

 

[Judge]

Nicely explained

Thanks. I used to buy into the idea myself that I was quite deficient in empathy. Until I arrived here in this forum and began to hear others on the spectrum with similar thoughts. Where I began to realize that in fact many of us can be highly empathetic. However that we simply didn't have the ability to visually project our feelings for others to easily pick up on.

That in essence I believe we remain highly misunderstood on various levels.

 

[Fridgemagnetman]

Often an NT will not realise what their use of language means.

They can forget that there is a social expectation behind the definition of what empathy is.

It can be different in different cultures for example.

So we can be defined as not having 'empathy'

The invisible meaning they can be unaware of is :

''they do not fulfill what our social expecations of empathy is'

The difference from our side - we we are not communicating to a social purpose

(This can be - represent and mirror sorrow appropriately ie I feel bad for you ,things like that)

We can represent empathy practically but the intent is not seen as they are looking for something else.

It is a completely different method of communication in many ways.

 

[Ginseng]

I am not sure there is such a thing as an autism expert.

 

[Pats]

This is a 3 part video created by one of our own members who is very skilled at explaining to the world who we are as opposed to how others see us. Also helps us to understand ourselves on new levels.

 

[Judge]

Often an NT will not realise what their use of language means.

Indeed. I suspect most of them would not even consider such a thing. That they default to what they believe applies to all human beings. After all, they allegedly constitute a ninety-eight percent neurological and social majority. Given their majority social status, there's no practical reason to expect them to consider or recognize Neurodiverse mindsets.

Though you'd think that at least medical professionals who regularly deal with people on the spectrum of autism would be able to get past their own limitations and sense of social/neurological dominance. That continues to disturb me, as I assume it does most others here as well.

 

[GCat3000]

Well could we please before we talk any further realize there are two types of empathy. In fact some say three. And that what they say we don't have is the type which allows us to know how people feel not the one which makes us care. That is the first thing that needs be corrected in OPs post and by the way I actually believe autism is a made up disease. I believe Autism is simply a medical term for what is normally call altruism!

 

[SageRose]

I am not sure there is such a thing as an autism expert.

I mean those psychologists who specialize on autism. There are actually many such experts.

 

[Ginseng]

Yes, I am referring to them. I have seen many of their statements that I think they should know better if they are really experts.

 

[GCat3000]

I mean those psychologists who specialize on autism. There are actually many such experts.

Yes but can we please clarify what those experts mean? They mean as I have been saying Cognitive not Emotional Empathy. They mean we have trouble figuring out how others feel not that we don't care!

 

[Judge]

Yes, I am referring to them. I have seen many of their statements that I think they should know better if they are really experts.

It is disturbing when we encounter such people in an assessment. The kind who for instance, dismiss one having ASD simply on a cursory observation that their patients make eye contact, or can hold a conversation- or even perhaps those of us with superior executive functioning.

As if they have chosen to refuse to acknowledge high-functioning aspects of autism.

 

[Fridgemagnetman]

Though you'd think that at least medical professionals who regularly deal with people on the spectrum of autism would be able to get past their own limitations and sense of social/neurological dominance. That continues to disturb me, as I assume it does most others here as well.

The irony to me is that they could be seen as mind-blind.
Specialists in ambiguity as they communicate with feelings.
Not seeing that many don't!


I could say when I've been given spiteful words - communication designed to hurt I feel it intensely. Also feel the same intensity when someone is upset.

 

[Pats]

The irony to me is that they could be seen as mind-blind.
Specialists in ambiguity as they communicate with feelings.
Not seeing that many don't!


I could say when I've been given spiteful words - communication designed to hurt I feel it intensely. Also feel the same intensity when someone is upset.

You know, when you think about it - it's as if we can feel the negative but not the positive.

 

[Fridgemagnetman]

You know, when you think about it - it's as if we can feel the negative but not the positive.

People are quick to pass on the negative!
As they don't want it, they pass the feelings on

 

[Pats]

People are quick to pass on the negative!
As they don't want it, they pass the feelings on

I think I worded that wrong. It's like people see us picking up on negative feelings and emotions and are fearful of danger but can't see us as having strong positive emotions and empathy.