#cognitiveempathy

Studies have shown that some individuals on the autism spectrum may experience challenges with cognitive empathy, which is the ability to understand and recognize the emotions and perspectives of others. This does NOT mean autistic individuals lack empathy altogether, rather, it's often a different kind of empathy we experience.

Cognitive empathy can be a complex task requiring the integration of multiple different social cues, including facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These cues can sometimes be overwhelming or confusing for individuals on the spectrum, leading to the perception of reduced cognitive empathy.

But here's the thing - just because we may struggle with understanding these cues doesn't mean we don't care deeply about how others feel. Quite the contrary! Many of us are incredibly sensitive and care deeply about others, which is sometimes called affective or emotional empathy. 🌈

Cognitive empathy, or the ability to understand and perceive others' thoughts and feelings, can be challenging for some of us in the autism community. It doesn't mean we don't care about others, it's just sometimes hard to "read" them. So here are a few strategies that might help:

1️⃣ Theory of Mind exercises: These can help improve our ability to understand that others may have thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives different from our own. Books, movies, and discussing different perspectives can be helpful tools.

2️⃣ Active Listening: Take time to really focus on what the other person is saying. Try to understand their perspective before responding. This may help you to respond more empathetically.

3️⃣ Empathy Mapping: This is a visual tool that helps us better understand the needs and experiences of others. It can be a useful strategy for improving cognitive empathy.

4️⃣ Emotional Vocabulary Building: Understanding and naming emotions can be challenging. Building a broader emotional vocabulary can help us better understand our own and others' emotional states.

5️⃣ Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, cognitive empathy can be improved with practice. It might not come naturally, and that's okay. Every step forward is a victory.

Dolphin Tale (2011) includes a plot line with Sawyer's cousin Kyle being injured  at war and being inspired by Winter to continue doing what he loves despite now needing a brace for his leg. The incorporation of Kyle is paired with a scene where a girl who's an amputee traveled hours to see Winter. Those characters are stand-ins for the communities touched by Winter's story. In my opinion, inspirational characters of any minority help children feel seen. Representation matters. There are so many nuances to the plot lines that impact the communities positively or negatively.  

Humanizing an animal with a disability isn't that difficult for people. This is  because of "Cognitive empathy allows us humans to understand what sorts of  limitations another being has simply by seeing them, as we are immediately able to imagine ourselves" (Taylor, 16). In Dolphin Tale, it is emphasized through a scene where Sawyer comes to the institute, and everything is quiet. He finds his  friend Hazel crying on the floor. Winter losing her tail means she can never be released and has limited time to live because of her reduced capabilities. There  is a certain amount of uncertainty that occurs with having a  disability. There are studies and other literature on conditions and diseases.  They show the expected scientific outcome. 

But the studies won't reveal  how a person with a disability adapts to their circumstances.

Winter's fate was uncertain and grim until she was rescued by the aquarium. (fitting into a human savior complex) At least that’s how the film made me feel. Winter is the center of the film. She inspired many people with disabilities to find  hope.  

I was 12 when Dolphin Tale came out. I was captured by the story. There's  nothing wrong with liking the story (especially as a child). Now, however, I must  recognize the drama and projection of disabled stereotypes mixed with my  experience. I am not an amputee, so I can only imagine what that life is like.  Imagination and empathy are excellent but subjective. I remember seeing the  scene in Dolphin Tale with the little girl with a limb difference and feeling bad for  her. I use cognitive empathy to imagine my life without one of my limbs and see how hard life would be. I can't imagine how the girl could adapt because of  my personal way of adapting. 

I did pity the girl or at least found it an emotional  scene. It is meant to be inspirational. Interestingly, when the little girl sees Winter  and says, "she's like me," I resonate with that sentiment. I even had the same feeling after watching Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon, which features similar plot points.

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