Exploring the Many Faces of Empathy: Cognitive, Affective, Somatic, and More...

Empathy is often seen as a single trait — the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. But did you know there are various types of empathy? Recognising these can open our eyes to how people, especially those with neurodiverse experiences like autism, navigate the world of emotions. Let’s explore some of the different forms of empathy:

1. Cognitive Empathy

Cognitive empathy is all about understanding another person’s perspective. It’s the ability to mentally put yourself in someone else’s shoes, even if you don't feel their emotions. For example, if a colleague is stressed, you might recognise their stress and understand its source, but not necessarily feel it yourself.

For neurotypical people, this often comes naturally, but for many autistic people, it can require conscious effort to interpret and process someone else's viewpoint. This effort can lead to overwhelm, distress, and even burnout as they try to mask or put themselves in someone else’s shoes. This can be particularly challenging for autistic people, as many tend to view communication literally, making it harder to navigate this metaphorical concept of "stepping into someone else's shoes.

2. Affective Empathy

Affective empathy involves feeling what others feel. When someone is sad, you feel their sadness in your own heart. This is the type of empathy that makes us cry during emotional movie scenes or feel deeply connected to a friend's sorrow.

Many people assume that autistic people lack affective empathy, but this is often a misconception. Many of us, myself included, experience emotions more intensely and are highly sensitive to the feelings of others. However, expressing or understanding those emotions can be challenging, leading to misunderstandings.

For me, I align most with this form of empathy, along with somatic empathy. I often find myself feeling others' emotions internally and so intensely it can cause emotional overwhelm. I can mask this in some situations, but at times it makes me feel like I want to cry.

3. Compassionate (Responsive) Empathy

This form of empathy moves beyond understanding and feeling — it prompts action. Compassionate empathy means not only recognising someone’s emotional state but also feeling compelled to help them. It’s the drive to comfort a friend or offer a solution when someone is in distress.

In neurotypical people, this often leads to supportive behaviours like offering a hug or verbal comfort. However, for those who are neurodiverse, the ways we express this support might differ — we may offer help in practical, structured ways instead of through emotional expressions.

4. Somatic Empathy (Common in Neurodiverse People)

Somatic empathy refers to physically feeling the emotions of others. It’s more than mental or emotional empathy — it’s a visceral reaction. For example, if someone gets injured, you might feel an actual sensation of pain in your body, almost as if it happened to you.

Many autistic people experience somatic empathy, which can lead to sensory overwhelm or physical discomfort in emotionally charged situations. This unique empathy highlights the intensity with which neurodiverse people might connect with the world around them.

5. Moral Empathy

Moral empathy is the ability to emotionally react to injustices or wrongdoings, driving people to act out of a deep sense of moral obligation. This form of empathy is often found in people who feel a strong urge to address societal wrongs or advocate for human rights.

For many neurodiverse people, especially those who are deeply in tune with ethical concerns, moral empathy can be a powerful motivator. It can drive activism, campaigning for justice, or standing up for those who cannot defend themselves. I often find myself motivated by this sense of empathy in my work as a disability advocate and human rights campaigner.

6. Spiritual Empathy

For some, empathy extends into a more spiritual or collective sense of connection. Spiritual empathy involves shared feelings or connections within a broader sense of community, belief, or a greater cause.

This type of empathy is often experienced by those who feel deeply connected to the world or humanity as a whole. It allows people to sense the collective emotional state of a community or to find solace in shared spiritual experiences. While it might be less discussed, spiritual empathy can provide an emotional bond that transcends individual experiences.

Empathy and Autism: Debunking the Myths

One of the most persistent misconceptions about autism is that autistic people lack empathy. In reality, many of us experience high levels of empathy — sometimes so much that it becomes overwhelming. However, we may express it in ways that differ from societal expectations.

Understanding the different types of empathy can help break down stereotypes about neurodiverse individuals and create more inclusive environments. Whether someone excels at cognitive empathy or deeply experiences affective empathy, they have valuable emotional insight to offer.

Takeaway: Empathy is Diverse, Just Like Us

Recognising these various forms of empathy can foster better relationships, both in the workplace and in personal life. By appreciating the different ways people connect emotionally, we can build a more inclusive world where everyone’s unique way of feeling is respected and valued.

Do you identify more with one type of empathy? How does empathy show up in your life or workplace?

Let’s start a conversation! ??

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