Literacy Related Activities and difficulties with Empathy
Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.
Empathy and trust are a platform for effective understanding, communication and relationships. They are essential skills for developing ideas and solutions, solving problems, effective communication and avoiding or diffusing conflict. The ability to empathise is an important skill for students to develop in order to effectively progress through their course and carry forward into their chosen career path. Being able to understand but also to step back and achieve a detachment from one's own emotions is essential for building effective and constructive relationships.
People who have been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum or having Aspergers Syndrome usually have little or no appreciation of the feelings of others. Those with schizophrenia or depression may have a reduced ability to empathise with others; also, people with depression are frequently inwardly focused. Students with these conditions may well find the listening and speaking aspects of literacy related activities challenging, but may have no difficulties at all with the written communication process; in fact, some people with autism respond much better to written rather than oral communication.
The autistic person understands the world at only a literal level, they will not understand humour, irony or metaphors. They avoid eye contact, and need to be given clear, unambiguous specific instructions.
