neurodivergent folks on the spectrum emulate [empathy]

Cat jokes aside, bit of a misconception; ASD folks generally have comparable levels of empathy to neurotypical folks, it's just perceived that we don't because we often either lack cognitive empathy, or don't express it like others expect.

I, for one, actually have pretty good cognitive empathy. I actually struggle with too much affective empathy; I often involuntarily feel what those around me are feeling. It's awesome at concerts. Sucks in public transportation. Being stuck in a loud, smelly metal tube, rubbing shoulders with hundreds of anxious or irate commuters is my own personal hell.