A thoughtful exploration of the “double empathy problem”, challenging long-held assumptions about social difficulty in autism and reframing how misunderstanding arises between autistic and non-autistic people.
In Episode 17 of The William Gomes Podcast, “The Double Empathy Problem – Why Misunderstanding Goes Both Ways,” William Gomes explains that communication difficulties do not stem from autistic deficits alone. Instead, they arise from mutual misunderstanding between people who experience, process, and interpret the social world in different ways.
The episode examines why autistic communication is often misread through non-autistic expectations, and why interactions between autistic people frequently feel easier, clearer, and more natural. Rather than a lack of empathy, Gomes highlights differences in communication style, sensory experience, social timing, and shared assumptions.
Rethinking Social Difficulty
Gomes considers how misunderstanding becomes embedded in everyday life, education, and professional settings when one communication style is treated as the default. When autistic ways of communicating are judged against non-autistic norms, difference is too often mistaken for deficiency.
By reframing social difficulty as relational rather than individual, the episode offers a more balanced and humane understanding of autistic social experience.
Bridging the Gap
The discussion concludes by outlining practical ways to reduce misunderstanding and support more meaningful connection. These include:
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Greater clarity in communication
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Patience and flexibility
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Openness to difference
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Genuine curiosity on both sides
The episode contributes to a growing body of work that moves autism understanding away from deficit-based models and toward mutual respect and shared responsibility.
Part of an Ongoing Autism Series
Episode 17 forms part of an ongoing autism series on The William Gomes Podcast, exploring autistic development, communication, and wellbeing through empathy, neurodiversity, and lived experience.
Listen to Episode 17
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-william-gomes-podcast/id1582677051?i=1000743287134
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6fgw9m9zUlkKhkEEXKYWNe?si=7ef140beb40c4e58
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW6p–7RgZk&list=PLSCoSweP-rX2irnCYwgjxGHAeKY0B123H
The William Gomes Podcast is an independent podcast series exploring autism, child development, and neurodiversity through compassionate, theory-informed conversations designed to support families and professionals.
