Practical 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.
It is unlikely that difficulties with empathy will have an adverse effect on practical work unless it requires interactions with others; for example, in a hairdressing course where interaction with clients face to face and by phone is highly important or working in a busy kitchen where health and safety is a critical issue.
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 inward focussed and incommunicative. The teacher/trainer will need to identify which aspects of the practicals require human interaction and decide whether or not showing good interpersonal skills is core to success on the course. Sometimes, for example, students may be better off taking courses such as computing which requires less face to face or emotional interaction.
Someone who is on the autistic spectrum 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.
