Neurodiversity, Autism and the Double Empathy Problem, with Mark Redwood at Chandler’s Ford on November 13, 2024

Hi my name is Mark Redwood, I am a neurodivergent therapist specialising in neurodiversity. I have been working and learning about neurodiversity and Autism for the past 30 years. The last 14 years of those in therapeutic practice, 5 years as a school counsellor, and the remaining 9 years in private practice.

Neurodiversity is a subject which is rapidly evolving, and many of the really interesting ideas coming forward are being developed by neurodivergent people themselves. One such person is Damien Milton who writes and researches into the double empathy problem. His ideas challenge many of the common assumptions that have been held about empathy in Autistic people, and these ideas have a direct relevance to therapy. Indeed, much of my practice is underpinned by the double empathy problem.

In this talk I will explore what double empathy is, its neurological basis, how it manifests in Autistic individuals, and why this matters for therapy. The talk will include an exercise to help increase your insight into how empathy works differently for Autistic people. And conclude with two practical ways you can build your understanding of double empathy into your practice.