We were told in no uncertain terms by the school district autism expert doctor when James was in 5th grade that people with autism cannot inference. To inference is to predict results based on a situation. Emapthy is, of course, the ability to see something from someone else's viewpoint and match that with a similar experience of your own. Some experts in autism have stated that folks with autism lack a theory of mind - a fancy way of saying that they can't "put themselves in someone else's shoes" or even conceive that someone else may not experience the same even differently.
We've never believed that people with autism can't inference, nor that they cannot empathize. In fact, we had seen evidence of both with James from when he was very young.
But, more recently, Ruth was trying to carry a large loaded laundry lugger (OK, basket, I just couldn't resist another word starting with "L") up the stairs. James must have heard her, and came to investigate. When he saw what was happening, he came down the stairs, took the laundry basket from Ruth, and carried it to our bedroom.
Ruth did not ask him to help - this was all on his own.
I was totally blown away by his ability to size up the situation, understand that Ruth was having trouble with the basket, and then taking action to help her - all on his own. In my opinion, case close, doctorate degree or not.
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