The article "On the Ontological Status of Autism: the ‘Double Empathy Problem’" by Damian E. M. Milton explores the ontological status of autism and other neurological 'disorders' diagnosed through behavioral indicators. It critiques the dominant theories that position autism as a deficit in 'theory of mind' and social interaction, arguing that these theories fail to acknowledge the relationality and interaction in the formation of social reality. The author introduces the concept of the 'double empathy problem,' which highlights the disjuncture in reciprocity between two differently disposed social actors, particularly between neuro-typical (NT) individuals and those on the autism spectrum. This disjuncture is more pronounced for NT individuals, who often perceive the lack of 'social insight' in autistic people as pathological, leading to stigmatization and internalized oppression. The article also discusses the implications of these issues for service providers and the need for a more holistic understanding of autism, emphasizing the importance of empowering autistic individuals and communities.The article "On the Ontological Status of Autism: the ‘Double Empathy Problem’" by Damian E. M. Milton explores the ontological status of autism and other neurological 'disorders' diagnosed through behavioral indicators. It critiques the dominant theories that position autism as a deficit in 'theory of mind' and social interaction, arguing that these theories fail to acknowledge the relationality and interaction in the formation of social reality. The author introduces the concept of the 'double empathy problem,' which highlights the disjuncture in reciprocity between two differently disposed social actors, particularly between neuro-typical (NT) individuals and those on the autism spectrum. This disjuncture is more pronounced for NT individuals, who often perceive the lack of 'social insight' in autistic people as pathological, leading to stigmatization and internalized oppression. The article also discusses the implications of these issues for service providers and the need for a more holistic understanding of autism, emphasizing the importance of empowering autistic individuals and communities.