We welcome the Letter to the Editor by Chown et al. (
2019) that addresses some of the points raised in our recent article (Alkhaldi et al.
2019). The Double Empathy Problem (DEP) is a major new perspective on autism that appropriately contextualises this condition in society—a society that is perhaps not well-adapted for accommodating people who are different from the majority. Since the DEP was first introduced by Milton (
2012) it is likely that the concept has evolved as researchers endeavour to understand and engage with the idea as a researchable topic. Recent empirical articles have paved the way (Alkhaldi et al.
2019; Edey et al.
2016; Sheppard et al.
2016) and Chown et al.’s Letter offers a timely reflection on where we stand. Here, we take the opportunity to respond to some of the key points (appearing as bullet points below) raised by Chown et al. with the aim of advancing thinking on this topic even further.
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Is it appropriate that Alkhaldi et al. (
2019) focus “solely on the difficulties faced by autistic people whereas double empathy posits that NT people have the same difficulties?”
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