Navigating the Double-Empathy Problem for More Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapeutic Relationships

What if a communication breakdown in therapy isn’t a deficit in your client—but a mismatch between you?

When working with neurodivergent clients and mixed-neurotype families, treat communication mismatches as something to explore together. Ask what your words mean to the client, examine your own assumptions, and consider whether the environment is demanding unnecessary conformity.

In this AAMFT+ video clip, Dr. Anthony Pennant explores the double empathy problem and offers a practical reminder for systemic therapists: meaningful change begins when we examine our own assumptions, too.

Interested in learning more insights from Dr. Pennant and other MFT experts? Check out our new Certificate, Foundations of Neurodiversity-Affirming Care for Systemic Therapists (10 CEs) at aamft.org/certificates.