Read on Twitter
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1073191120964564 Well well. The Empathy Quotient, the most popular measure of autistic alleged 'lack' of empathy, isn't fit for purpose, this says. People just assumed it was.
In fact, they can't find a measure that is fit for purpose, re empathy.
In the real world:
In fact, they can't find a measure that is fit for purpose, re empathy.
In the real world:
Translation: (paraphrased) "These empathy questionnaires aren't any good. They should not be used as part of a diagnosis, or 'treatment' plans. Come back when you have ones that find something in a meaningful way".
My view: Huge harm may have been done to autistic lives.
My view: Huge harm may have been done to autistic lives.
How many autistic parents may have had their children removed, on the old myths of them 'lacking empathy' and therefore being unfit parents?
How many autistic people denied jobs in the caring professions, on the basis they can't possibly care?
How many autistic people denied jobs in the caring professions, on the basis they can't possibly care?
How many autistic people denied diagnoses, because they demonstrated caring for others in their lives?
How many autistic people potentially given unfair trials and sentences, because of these questionnaires showing they 'lacked empathy' for their victim?
How many autistic people potentially given unfair trials and sentences, because of these questionnaires showing they 'lacked empathy' for their victim?
How many autistic victims, who had justice denied because it was assumed they couldn't care, couldn't feel, so it wouldn't matter what happened to them? That perhaps their alleged 'lack of empathy' meant they 'deserved it'?
Lighting candles for all whose lives have been diminished by such carelessness.
The picture is of a Twitter poll. It shows the vast majority of the autistic people who answered said they cared about others in their lives.
It's a complicated subject, and there aren't necessarily right and wrong answers. But for sure, no lack of caring.
It's a complicated subject, and there aren't necessarily right and wrong answers. But for sure, no lack of caring.
