The double empathy problem frames communication difficulties between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals as arising from mutual misunderstanding, yet most interventions focus on autistic individuals. We present NeuroWise, a multi-agent LLM-based coaching system that supports neurotypical users through stress visualization, interpretation of internal experiences, and contextual guidance. In a between-subjects study (N=30), NeuroWise was rated as helpful by all participants and showed a significant condition-time effect on deficit-based attributions (p=0.02): NeuroWise users reduced deficit framing, while baseline users shifted toward blaming autistic "deficits" after difficult interactions. NeuroWise users also completed conversations more efficiently (37% fewer turns, p=0.03). These findings suggest that AI-based interpretation can support attributional change by helping users recognize communication challenges as mutual.
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Figure 1. Top: Conceptual comparison of Baseline Chatbot versus NeuroWise. Without support, the double empathy barrier perpetuates deficit-based framing; NeuroWise bridges this gap through three agents. Bottom: Example conversation with Alex showing the Baseline (left) and NeuroWise (right) with the support panel displaying stress level, interpretation, and coaching suggestions. Two-part figure. Top: Conceptual diagrams comparing Baseline Chatbot (showing barrier between Autistic Agent and Human User) with NeuroWise Chat Platform (showing bridge connection and three support agents). Bottom: Screenshot mockups of conversations with Alex about routine disruption, with Baseline showing only the chat and NeuroWise showing the chat plus a Support panel with stress level indicator, interpreter explanation, and coach suggestions.
Figure 2. Condition × Time interaction for deficit framing attitudes. NeuroWise participants showed slight improvement while Baseline participants regressed toward deficit framing after difficult conversations. Bar chart showing pre- and post-conversation deficit framing scores by condition. NeuroWise shows a decrease from 3.77 to 3.13 (delta = -0.63). Baseline shows an increase from 3.33 to 3.63 (delta = +0.30). The interaction is statistically significant (p = .020, delta = -0.49).
Mar 16, 2026·Aakriti Kumar, Nalin Poungpeth, Diyi Yang +2
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. · Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern University. · Ryan Institute on Complexity, Northwestern University. +3