Mastodawn

@KatyElphinstone
https://seventhvoice.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/new-study-finds-that-individuals-with-aspergers-syndrome-dont-lack-empathy-in-fact-if-anything-they-empathize-too-much/

Dianora (Diane Bruce)

too much empathy would lead to shutdown which could be perceived as non-empathy by NT.

Theory finds that individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome don’t lack empathy – in fact if anything they empathize too much

“A ground-breaking theory suggests people with autism-spectrum disorders such as Asperger’s do not lack empathy – rather, they feel others’ emotions too intensely to cope.” “People with…

Seventh Voice

Well, this definitely fits in with my experience. And with lots of other people's too, as I found out on the Wrong Planet forum, when I first began talking with other autistics about empathy.

I'll read this article - bookmarking now.

@KatyElphinstone I bet you can can feel what's up between people immediately after entering a room.

I tend not to broadcast this stuff loudly, but here's one piece I wrote that describes the phenomenon:
https://www.neurofabulous.org.uk/betrayal.html
(people tend to assume I'm talking in metaphors when I talk about this stuff, and I let them... but I'm actually not)

I really wish we just had schools where we could study and learn this stuff. And not just insist that anyone who experiences it must be institutionalized and insane. 🤷‍♀️

Betrayal: a very human emotion

Betrayal

@KatyElphinstone That's a good article.

Thank you 😊
I'm going to have to go and look off about Kamila Markram now. Fascinating!

May I ask if you also get this strong emotional stuff from others? No need to answer if you prefer not.

@KatyElphinstone I think I read others better than I read what others are projecting to me. I miss when people are flirting with me but notice when others in a room are. That sort of thing.

Yes, I see.

Oh my!! (Accidentally started reading while bookmarking)...
I didn't know Kamila Markram was autistic.

I mentioned her and Henry Markram in a podcast I did this week.

"The boy who felt too much" - I have this book on my shelf. And I very much relate to the intense world theory of autism.

@KatyElphinstone I'll need to order that book! Sure most autistics 'pass' (masking) other than being a little direct and too honest for most people.

Yes, it's about Henry Markham's autistic son. I found it very interesting. Have you read the intense world theory?

@KatyElphinstone No but it sounds like another book to order. That seems to fit my experience. My sensory overload comes from sudden loud noises. Can be very irritating as well.

(dubious) opinion haver

3d ago

@Dianora @KatyElphinstone This was such a good read. I thought personally I never had the ‘theory of mind’ problem. Now that I look back, it took me a while (in high school) to finally realize not everyone deeply disliked their parents.

instantiatethis 3d ago

@Dianora @KatyElphinstone 10000% if I let myself be fully empathetic I will often get more emotional about the thing than the other person (especially if related to grief or discrimination) which is not helpful in many situations and can lead to many painful physical symptoms in me. Even if I do mostly successfully turn off my feelings for the short term (i.e. to listen to a friend without blubbering) it is utterly exhausting and can contribute to shutdowns or burnout