Yes, it is possible to be both autistic and highly empathetic. Autistic people are often seen as lacking empathy, but this is not always true. In fact, those on the autism spectrum may actually have an enhanced capacity for empathy, as they can feel deeply connected to the people, places, and things around them.
Autism can lead to a heightened sense of empathy because autistic people can have a heightened sensory perception, allowing them to pick up on subtle cues that could be overlooked by neurotypicals. This can lead to an increased awareness of the emotions and feelings of others, allowing them to connect with them on a deeper level. Autistic people may also have an increased ability to feel their own emotions and those of others, allowing them to understand and connect with those around them.
Autistic people may also be more sensitive to the environment around them, and this can lead to a heightened sense of empathy. They may be more likely to pick up on subtle cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, allowing them to understand and empathize with those around them. Autistic people may also be more likely to take time to process their own feelings and those of others, allowing them to be more deeply connected to the emotions of those around them.
Overall, it is possible to be both autistic and highly empathetic. Autistic people may have a heightened sense of empathy due to their heightened sensory perception, increased ability to feel their own and others’ emotions, and sensitivity to the environment around them.