The Double Empathy Problem Through a Phenomenological Perspective: Exploring Autistic People’s Experience of Empathy

Abstract

The aim of this study is to increase knowledge about how autistic people experience empathy and elucidate their lived experiences through their own voices. Two questions were examined: (1) “How is empathy towards others experienced by a group of autistic individuals?” and (2) “How is empathy from others experienced by a group of autistic individuals?”. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, wherein two female and five male autistic individuals between the ages of 23 – 53 participated. The study had a qualitative design, where the data was explored through interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Four themes emerged: (1) Lost in transmission, (2) A conscious effort, (3) Mediated by familiarity and similarity, and (4) A balancing act. The results indicate that empathy can be an effortful process, where the participants aimed to improve mutual understanding. This was driven by an inherent interest in and concern for others. Results also indicate that empathy was experienced as less effortful in familiar and similar contexts. These findings point to the participants experiencing social motivation, interest in, and care for others. Followingly, clinicians should strive to familiarise themselves with the experiences of autistic people and open a dialogue with autistic clients about their preferred communication style.