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What Hyperempathy Looks Like in Autism & How ABA Therapy Helps
November 28, 2025
Hyperempathy, the heightened ability to feel others' emotions deeply, can manifest in people with autism in unique ways.
While many may think of autism in terms of challenges with social communication, hyperempathy shows that some individuals are incredibly sensitive to the emotions of others. It can be both a gift and a challenge, as it may lead to overwhelming feelings.
How Hyperempathy Shows Up in Autism
For someone with autism, hyperempathy can look like a strong emotional reaction to the feelings of others. It’s not just about recognizing emotions, but feeling them. For example:
- Intense Emotional Reactions: A person might feel upset or happy based on someone else’s mood, sometimes even more than the person they’re empathizing with.
- Difficulty with Emotional Boundaries: It can be hard for them to separate their own emotions from those they pick up from others. This can be overwhelming, especially in crowded or emotionally charged environments.
- Nonverbal Cues: Individuals with autism might be very attuned to nonverbal signals (like body language or tone of voice) and feel those cues deeply, even if they don’t always express it outwardly.
For some, this can make interactions feel emotionally intense, while for others, it may lead to a greater connection with those around them.
It’s important to understand that hyperem,pathy in autism is a complex experience—what might seem like an emotional overload to one person could be a deeply empathetic response for someone else.
Why It’s Important to Recognize Hyperempathy
Understanding hyperempathy can help families and professionals better support individuals with autism. It’s crucial for autism therapies and interventions to address both the social challenges and the emotional sensitivities that may come with this heightened empathy.
If you're looking for professional, personalized support for your child with autism, Divine Steps Therapy is here to help. With services available in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, we provide tailored ABA therapy designed to address your child’s unique needs.
Whether it's in-home ABA therapy or comprehensive autism evaluations, our experienced team offers support that can make a real difference in your child's emotional and social development. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your family thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is hyperempathy different from regular empathy?
Hyperempathy is an intense, sometimes overwhelming emotional sensitivity to the feelings of others, while regular empathy involves understanding others' emotions without necessarily feeling them so intensely.
2. Can hyperempathy be managed with therapy?
Yes! Techniques like ABA therapy can help individuals with autism manage emotional overload and build coping strategies for their heightened empathy.
3. How can I find the right therapy for my child with autism?
Start by reaching out to specialists who understand the complexities of autism. Divine Steps Therapy offers in-home ABA services and autism evaluations to support families in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Sources:
- https://www.verywellmind.com/hyper-empathy-in-autism-8426957
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/hyper-empathy-autism
- https://www.shu.ac.uk/news/all-articles/latest-news/autism-and-hyper-empathy-study
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9804307/
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autism-and-empathy
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