Today, I made the choice to prioritize my well-being by taking a break from the demands of the outside world. I decided to fake being sick, not out of deception, but as a means to create a space for myself, where I could find solace and much-needed rest. Throughout the day, I have been nonverbal, not due to depression, but rather as a signal from my body, urging me to reset and recharge. As an autistic individual, I have come to recognize that these mental health days are crucial for my overall balance and functioning. They are moments when I must honor my unique needs, even if it means resorting to feigning illness to have those needs acknowledged and met.
Today has been a rollercoaster of emotions, primarily marked by feelings of shame and confusion. I find myself wrestling with shame for not being able to function as I normally would, and the confusion arises from the struggle to gather my thoughts and make sense of them. While I appreciate my partner's concern and continuous offers of assistance, I can't help but feel a tinge of guilt that they keep asking what's wrong. However, I must acknowledge their kindness in respecting my need for solitude and giving me the space, I require to navigate these challenging days.
Yesterday, my partner shared an intriguing insight from their therapist:
"Autistic people are the evolution of humanity."
His enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but be charmed by his therapist’s words. It seemed as though he had read my facial expressions like an open book, as he followed up with the question, "But you already knew that, didn't you?" And indeed, I did. There's a deep knowing within me, an intuitive understanding that defies explanation. You can find my thoughts on autism and consciousness evolution here.
Throughout my life, however, I've experienced the frustration of having my insights and ideas dismissed or even stolen from me simply because I share them openly. It has been a constant challenge to be seen as credible, despite the depth of my understanding. I have shared my theories on autism with my partner numerous times before, but it wasn't until a non-autistic therapist with decades of experience validated those ideas that they truly resonated and stuck in my partner's mind. It's both validating and disheartening to witness this dynamic, but I'm grateful for any opportunity to be heard and understood.
I often find myself pondering if other autistic individuals share this experience. It's that feeling of having known something for years, only to see a researcher come out with a "new discovery" that leaves a pit in your stomach. You can't help but pause and think, "Wait a sec, how is that considered a discovery?"
In my view, science isn't solely about making new discoveries; it's about the arduous process of providing the burden of proof for those discoveries. The most enigmatic and profound scientists are the ones who have a hunch, an innate understanding that their hypothesis is undeniable. They possess an intuitive knowledge that surpasses mere observation or experimentation.
Unfortunately, much of mainstream science is driven by political or financial motives, with studies conducted to either prove or disprove certain ideas. This approach can overshadow the true spirit of discovery. True scientific exploration should be guided by the pursuit of knowledge, not influenced by external factors.
As an autistic individual, I've often grappled with this disconnect between my own intuitive understanding and the scientific community's approach. While I acknowledge the importance of rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, I also recognize the profound wisdom that can emerge from within ourselves. It's a delicate balance between honoring our own insights and navigating the scientific landscape that surrounds us.
Since I was a little girl, I've experienced this peculiar spiritual connection with Albert Einstein. He has always fascinated me. It's widely speculated that Einstein himself was autistic, and that resonates deeply with me. I see in him many of the same traits that I possess as an autistic individual and someone with gifted abilities.
Einstein's intense focus and obsession with ideas, much like my own, was remarkable. His relentless pursuit in solving complex problems and his remarkable innovations align closely with the way my own mind operates. There's a certain intuitive brilliance that both Einstein and I share, allowing us to perceive connections and possibilities that may elude others. And of course, we both cherish our solitude, finding solace and inspiration in moments of quiet contemplation.
Discovering this affinity with someone as extraordinary as Albert Einstein has been both comforting and empowering. It reinforces the notion that being autistic doesn't limit one's potential for greatness, but rather brings forth unique perspectives and capabilities.
Einstein's legacy serves as a reminder that neurodivergent individuals like myself, like you have immense contributions to offer to the world, and our diverse ways of thinking can lead to remarkable discoveries and insights.
Through this connection with Einstein, I find solace in knowing that I'm not alone in navigating the world with my neurodivergent mind. It's a source of inspiration and affirmation that encourages me to embrace my own exceptional qualities and continue to pursue my passions with unwavering dedication.
During my formative years, the realm of physical sciences held an enchanting allure for me. The mysteries of the cosmos called out, urging me to explore and understand. Even as a young child, I was captivated by the simplest wonders of nature, unafraid to get my hands dirty and embrace the tactile world around me. I forged friendships with humble creatures like rollie pollies and caterpillars, and the grandeur of trees became my magical playgrounds.
In those tender years, my enthusiasm for knowledge knew no bounds. I yearned for tools of exploration, and I distinctly recall the eager anticipation of receiving a telescope, a microscope, or a chemistry set as gifts on special occasions. These instruments unlocked portals to discovery, and I immersed myself in their captivating realms.
However, as I transitioned into the realm of high school, an unforeseen shift occurred. The once-burning flame of my scientific passion began to flicker. The traditional educational landscape seemed to dim the spark within me, dampening my fervor for exploration and inquiry. It was during this time that I started to struggle with the scientific method. Its rigid structure and step-by-step approach didn't quite align with my way of thinking.
In one particular instance, I found myself standing amidst a chaotic scene in the AP biology lab. After school hours, the science teacher had left me to my own devices, surrounded by hundreds of petri dishes and an unexpected swarm of fruit flies. My clumsiness got the best of me, and I inadvertently disrupted the entire class's fruit fly mating experiment. This incident left me disheartened and questioning my abilities and my teacher suggested I drop down to sophomore biology.
In the realm of advanced placement chemistry, a different distraction awaited me. A senior boy had taken an interest in me, capturing my attention and diverting my focus away from the subject matter. It was not my lack of comprehension that resulted in my lower grade; rather, it was the captivating allure of newfound teenage connections. In the end, it was not equations and formulas that held my attention, but the unpredictable interactions of the heart and the chemistry of human connection. The lessons learned in that classroom extended beyond the realm of scientific theories, reminding me of the complexities and diversions that accompany the journey of adolescence.
Reflecting back on these experiences, I've come to understand that my journey in the physical sciences took a detour, not due to any inherent inability, but rather a misalignment between the traditional educational approach and my unique learning style. While those particular circumstances may have dampened my enthusiasm at the time, they did not diminish my inherent curiosity and passion for discovery.
Today, I continue to nurture my love for exploration and knowledge, albeit through different avenues. I've learned to appreciate the diverse ways in which understanding and insight can be gained. My path may have diverged from the conventional scientific trajectory, but that has only opened doors to new realms of exploration and alternative paths of discovery.
I embrace a metamodern perspective and proudly identify as a proponent of integral science. In my quest for knowledge, I adopt a paradoxical stance, recognizing the importance of both the subjective and objective realms, as well as the interplay between the quantitative and qualitative dimensions. However, at the heart of my scientific approach lies a steadfast commitment to principles, which I believe the scientific community has, regrettably, lost sight of.
The integrity of scientific inquiry should never be compromised by ulterior motives such as financial gain, conflicts of interest, or the misguided notion that the ends justify the means. When these issues come into play, it is a clear sign that we are facing significant problems, Lucy! True scientific progress necessitates unwavering adherence to principles that safeguard the pursuit of knowledge, objectivity, and the betterment of society.
By embracing a holistic perspective and upholding principled practices, we can reclaim the essence of science—a noble endeavor driven by curiosity, a genuine desire for understanding, and the collective well-being of humanity. Let us strive for a scientific community that upholds the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our pursuit of knowledge remains untainted and serves the greater good. Together, we can redefine the scientific landscape and restore its rightful place as a beacon of truth and enlightenment.
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