Overview
The article provides a personal account from Kieran Rose on what it feels like to be autistic, exploring the unique and vivid inner world inside his mind. Rose describes how his mental processes and sensory experiences differ from neurotypical individuals, emphasizing the complexity, challenges, and rich inner experiences associated with autism.
Understanding Autism from the Inside
- The author shares that autistic minds are often described as being in their own world, which he relates to his own expansive mental landscape.
- Rose emphasizes that his account is individual and may not reflect every autistic person's experience.
- He draws on the 2007 "Intense World Syndrome" theory, arguing autistic minds are overloaded rather than deficient.
- Studies show autistic individuals may use significantly more brain power at rest compared to neurotypical peers.
Inner Mental Processes and Structures
- Rose conceptualizes his mind as having three spheres: conscious, subconscious, and semi-subconscious, where significant processing occurs.
- Sensory overload makes communication difficult as the brain focuses on processing incoming stimuli.
- He experiences a "world engine" inside his head, allowing detailed visualization and interaction with imagined worlds.
Navigating the Inner World
- Describes instant shifts from reality to inner mind, entering through a tunnel with branching doors representing memory, current concerns, trauma, and creativity.
- The white door stores memories, accessed like a Rolodex, critical for recall and daily tasks.
- The right-center tunnel contains problems or unresolved issues, each behind a door, with physical manifestations such as rocking during perseveration.
- The far-right tunnel and oak door house traumatic memories, visited during distress, and associated with shutdowns or meltdowns.
- The center tunnel leads to a creative space where Rose can build detailed worlds but always experiences solitude there.
Social and Emotional Insights
- The author values solitude in his inner world but also acknowledges the importance of real-world relationships and creative sharing.
- Many autistic people may have similar inner experiences but rarely discuss them without prompting from others.
- Understanding an autistic person's internal experiences can help parents, caregivers, and others provide better support.
Recommendations / Advice
- Seek out autistic perspectives and communities to gain genuine insight into autistic experiences.
- Parents and professionals should strive to understand how autistic individuals perceive and process the world to support them effectively.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- How do other autistic individuals' internal experiences compare to Rose’s description?
- What additional strategies can help bridge understanding between autistic and neurotypical people?