How does the double empathy problem impact care/support for autistic people with high support needs?
Abstract
Therapists often struggle to communicate effectively with Autistic people with high support needs leading to misunderstandings, distress, and harmful compliance-based practices. The Double Empathy Problem— a breakdown in mutual understanding that can happen between any two people—can deeply impact agency, well-being, therapy and quality of care for this population. Led by Holly E. A. Sutherland, Autistic Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Cambridge, this course examines: 1) How autistic trauma emerges from communication mismatches and institutional power dynamics. 2) Why understanding autistic communication is essential for ethical, trauma-informed therapy and services across disciplines. 3) The risks of using bribes, rewards, or forced compliance, which can lead to distress and loss of agency for the individual and increase safety risks for the therapist. 4) Practical strategies for therapy providers (occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, mental health providers) to adapt their communication, foster trust, and improve therapeutic relationships. Through research-backed insights, case studies, and real-world examples, participants will gain tools to reduce miscommunication, support autistic agency and well-being, and enhance therapy outcomes. (Invited speaker.)
