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Considering Autistic Empathy

Submitted by Landon Bryce on Sat, 06/09/2012 - 10:46
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Aspie Strategy on autistic empathy:

In fact I often wonder if the withdrawal adults on the spectrum resort to is emotionally necessary.  If they feel others' pain acutely, and on top of that often lack the social skills to offer "appropriate" comfort, what are they to do?  Withdrawal and distancing become more than relating styles: they become necessary tools for self-preservation.

Picture the plight of the teenager on the spectrum who comes home after school to find parents who are quietly angry at each other.  Because he is sensitive, he knows something is wrong.  His body is on alert, and he wants to help.  Because he is empathic, he would like to offer comfort.  However, because he is bright and learns from patterns, he knows that historically he has said the "wrong" thing in these situations, which has made things worse.  He determines, quite logically, that the best thing he can do is go to his room and put on an audiobook.  Both parents notice this, and note how little he appears to care about anyone but himself.

Adults on the spectrum often over-empathize.  To feel deeply, and fail miserably when they try to offer comfort, causes more injury than can be tolerated.  Retreating offers solace.  And confirms their image as non-empathic.