New theory on empathy and AS

Post Reply New Topic

thank you

I score low on systematizing and high on empathizing but I think there are mitigating factors. I have inattentive add (or something like it-I was just asked a few questions and meds help some). I have strong interests but it is virtually impossible for me to retain facts due to my Teflon brain. However I feel the compulsion to order things a certain way even if it has no real significance. I think it has more to do with a need for visual balance. As far as empathizing, I am often aware of what's going on but don't know how to respond or feel so detached it feels false to respond.

I've found out empathy in the context of autism is really just "generalizing" from a wide array of people's behaviors and applying them to other circumstances but is something most NTs do without thinking about it due to instinct. I've started doing this on purpose and I'm finding that my social skills are really catching up.

I took the EQ and Sq last night to see if I followed the trend mentioned in this theory. I thought I was doing good on the EQ, and my score would be higher than typical. Then I got the results... I scored a 6. I scored high average on the SQ.

I guess I thought I was more empathetic than I really am.

I think better executive function would allow me to be more talkative and allow me to be able to say the right thing at the right time. It may be related to my focus and emotions as well though. I have trouble focusing on the topic of conversation when its something that doesn't really relate to me or what I've been previously thinking about.

This may not be "executive functioning" but I don't know what else to call it. It's trouble controlling focus. I don't think this is totally related to empathizing, but it may impair my ability to be seen as empathetic when my mind drifts during conversation.