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A question for Professor William Fraser re: autism and empathy

Emma

Since Professor William Fraser is the chairperson of Autism Cymru, and having heard good things about him he's someone whose opinion I'd respect, I've decided to address this question primarily to him...

Hey Prof, I've been reading a lot of stuff on autism blogs and sites on the question of whether or not people on the autistic spectum have impaired or zero empathy, and it seems that opinions vary... with some people being of the mind that contrary to popular opinion, autistic people have TOO MUCH empathy and so we close down because we can't handle the overload and feeling other's emotions too intensely: www.thestar.com/.../aspergers_theory_does_aboutface.html (I can certainly identify with that, lol)

Since you're one of the top experts on autism in this country, I'd be interested and v. appreciative to know whether you think we have TOO MUCH or TOO LITTLE empathy! Cheers. Smile

Parents

  • Much of my childhood was a nightmare of being easily upset/oversensitive myself whilst simulteaneously lacking the social imagination to avoid inadvertantly saying rude/upsetting things to others!

    Later in life getting to know individuals more intimately I've been told I was too nice for my own good. Basically being a soft touch / acquiescing to avoid confrontation - my social skills dissolve in the face of confrontation especially with strangers.

    As an adult I can confidently say I have very strong empathy for other humans and most living creatures.

Reply

  • Much of my childhood was a nightmare of being easily upset/oversensitive myself whilst simulteaneously lacking the social imagination to avoid inadvertantly saying rude/upsetting things to others!

    Later in life getting to know individuals more intimately I've been told I was too nice for my own good. Basically being a soft touch / acquiescing to avoid confrontation - my social skills dissolve in the face of confrontation especially with strangers.

    As an adult I can confidently say I have very strong empathy for other humans and most living creatures.

Children
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