If Empathy is EFFORT ---What does that mean for Neuro-Diversity with the emphasis on Diversity ---- A Lot of EFFORT

• Two of the things that we're slowly coming to terms with:
  • Our "empathy" often isn't that Empathy with EFFORT --
    • It's really more maximizing the efficiency of like-minded people, and
    • We are struggling to address pretty hard-wired split second Empathy determinations that are really based on "which team you're on."

 

• If we're using that EMPATHY of EFFORT
  • it can be TIME-CONSUMING
  • it can be FRUSTRATING, and
  • it may be forcing us to come to terms with our own limits at the same time we're being asked to exercise MORE EFFORT in understanding someone else.

 

• I don't think it's any accident that the Americans with Disabilities Act says yes we need to make REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ---
  • Unless it would be an "UNDUE HARDSHIP"

 

• If we just default to an idea that EMPATHY is something GOOD PEOPLE do --- and don't really have the ability to recognize:
  • The Double Empathy Problem not just in autism but in human relationships generally
  • We're going to UNDER-ESTIMATE what it really takes.

 

• Further, Neurodiversity is really testing EMPATHY on the part of everyone because----
  • Neurodiversity isn't some MONOLITH --- it's all over the place, and
  • Neurodiverse people are going to have to empathize with other Neurodiverse people who may be very different from themselves.
  • and if they can do that ---
  • they'll have a lot to TEACH the SOCIETY

PBS The Brain with David Eagleman
In-Groups & Out-Groups

Neuro-Divergent Therapist Louise Taylor
Neuro-Diversity & Empathy

When We're Talkin' Neuro-Diversity -- We're Talkin' Neuro-Diversity