On May 18, 2013, we will be meeting to discuss the topic, “How to love an abusive person.” There is a reason why Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen published a book entitled, “The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty.” While he believes that Aspies have good intentions, he attributes their socially clueless behavior to lack of empathy. When on the receiving end of this lack of empathy, many neuro-typicals (non Asperger’s) view these behaviors as unloving and even abusive. The question becomes, if the intention is not to cause harm, is it still abuse? Furthermore, how do you hold love in your heart for a person who consistently breaks your heart?
Please join us for an in depth look at this subject. If you will not be able to attend in person, please become a member of our online community. I look forward to hearing your stories.
My book, Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going Over the Edge is available for purchase. Click here to download a free sample chapter.
It’s known as the Empathy GAP for a reason – it goes both ways! This is incredibly important, which is not to contradict your stance or words. You seem like a kind person, Kathy. I don’t say that easily (too cynical after my decades of experience of what most people’s ‘morality’ is and how shallow it is).
Anyway, watch the British independent film ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ and see how much empathy the abusers in that story had for the disabled youth in question. Did the disabled youth ask for his treatment via a lack of empathy?
It’s not specified what the Learning Disability or ASD is in that character’s case, but there you go. It doesn’t matter.