Elaborating on the Double Empathy Problem

In the essay Elaborating on the Double Empathy Problem - An Essay on the Compatibility of Neurotypicality and Autism Pia Hämäläinen (BA), an autistic theorist, discusses various perspectives related to the double empathy problem, a term coined by Damian Milton in 2012. According to Milton, communication challenges are a two-way street concerning the perspective taking of both neurotypical and autistic individuals. Proceeding from presenting state of the art of research on the double empathy problem, Hämäläinen discusses various perspectives relevant to the issue including, among others, the dynamics of autism, the structure of the autistic self, different kinds of empathy, pattern seeking as it relates to traditional vs. process philosophy, and the phenomenon of prediction. Hämäläinen shares her ideas for possible solutions of the problem and concludes the essay with a consideration of the roles of inclusion, equity, and economy as they relate to solving the double empathy problem.

Pia Hämäläinen (b. 1966), BA, is an autistic theorist who both applies theory to autism and constructs new theory. Her special interests include communication theory, process philosophy, autism theory, complexity theory, and Christian theology, especially process theology. Hämäläinen has translated books, written poetry and autism theory both in Finnish and in English. The English publications include The Shape of Autism (Durig and Hämäläinen), Autism in Code (Hämäläinen), and An Autism Upgrade. On Patterns and Processes (Hämäläinen). Hämäläinen also made a contribution to Paula Moraine's book on autism and Executive Function entitled Autism and Everyday Executive Function.