The double empathy problem reframed autism research and how we can understand autistic sociality
This profile can be shared with students to enhance the visibility of psychologists of diverse backgrounds. As an additional activity, students can be asked to conduct research to learn more about the psychologist and their work. An alternative assignment could be to ask students to find other psychologists of diverse backgrounds whose work falls into this content pillar. Keywords highlight how psychological scientists study concepts within and across pillars.
Dr. Miltonopens in new window (he/him) is an autistic social psychologist and sociologist on faculty at the University of Kent. He previously served as a consultant for the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Milton, an autism researcher and advocate, has consistently challenged theories of autism, including the theory that autistic people lack empathy. Dr. Milton has advanced social psychological science with his concept of “double empathy,” which suggests that autistic people and non-autistic people may have trouble empathizing with each other because each have their own unique life experiences.
Milton, D. E. M. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: The ‘double empathy problem’. Disability Society, 27(6), 883–887. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2012.710008opens in new window
Milton, D. E. M. (2014). Autistic expertise: A critical reflection on the production of knowledge in autism studies. Autism, 18(7), 794–802. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361314525281opens in new window
Social, Autism, Emotion, Mental Health, Psychological Treatment
The development of resources to broaden diversity and representation in the teaching of high school psychology resources is an APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools initiative supported by funding from the American Psychological Foundation David and Carol Myers Fund. This resource was developed by Kara Ayers, PhD; Emily Lund, PhD; Erika Sanborne; and Allison Shaver.