In the thought-provoking TEDx talk “Double Empathy: How a Lack of True Empathy Fails Autistic People,” Zachary Pilot explores the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in social interactions. He introduces the concept of “double empathy,” emphasizing that misunderstandings can occur not only from autistic people but also from neurotypical individuals who struggle to grasp their perspectives. Pilot argues that true empathy involves bridging the gap between different experiences and understanding, rather than imposing one’s own viewpoint. He shares personal anecdotes and research findings to highlight how societal expectations often overlook the rich inner experiences of autistic individuals. By advocating for genuine connection and mutual understanding, Pilot calls for a shift in how we perceive and interact with autism, urging audiences to foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. This talk challenges the conventional narratives around empathy and invites viewers to reconsider their approach to communication and relationship-building across the neurodiversity spectrum.
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Author Video Description
Is there benefit to meeting in the middle? In his talk, Dr. Zachary Pilot explores the problem with modern autism research and treatment: the expectation for autistic people’s behaviors to change in order to conform to society, no matter how uncomfortable and unnatural it is for them. Through his research that specifically integrates autistic perspectives, Dr. Pilot finds that the answer to unsuccessful social interactions between autistic people and non-autistic people should not be a goal of conformity, but instead an effort to empathize. Dr. Pilot is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Southern Indiana and has published work on adverse childhood experiences, mental health, social cognition and pedagogy. Dr. Zachary Pilot is a cognitive developmental psychologist from the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Southern Indiana, where he is dedicated to mentoring students and advancing undergraduate research. Beyond academia,
Dr. Pilot is committed to supporting his community through local initiatives focused on improving youth mental health This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “Double Empathy: How a Lack of True Empathy Fails Autistic People | Zachary Pilot | TEDxUSI” was uploaded on 06/11/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks