'Uhm, yes we do.'

Only we might not always know the best way to show our emotions. When my friend tells me some very good news I am really happy for her but sometimes I don't know how to express it. Should I cheer for her or say something nice or put on a big smile?

It is sometimes hard to understand what kind of reaction people expect from us. When the mother of a friend of mine got really sick a couple years ago the process in my head went like this: 'should I hug her now? But maybe she doesn't want a hug? Should I tell her everything is going to be okay? But what if its is not? But I have to say something otherwise she'll think that I don't care.'

Over the years I have gotten better at it by just copying other peoples behavior. When I see a situation I observe how people react to each other and I save it in my head for when I might need it. Some may see it as acting or not sincere but the intention behind my reaction is always very honest and empathetic. I just need some help with the best way to show my sympathy.

Same thing when it is about my own emotions. I can talk about my emotions to others but I don't always know when it is a good time to talk about it. I often wonder: What if people don't want to hear my sad stories? But when the conversation does take place I have no problems talking about how I feel and about my enotions.

So don't ever say that autistic people do not have emotions or that we lack empathy.