Participating in an experimental brain study using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allowed John Elder Robison to gain a new perspective on his own emotions and the experiences of others, resulting in a greater sense of empowerment and acceptance.
The TMS stimulation in the brain study enhanced John's ability to recognize and interpret facial expressions and emotional cues, enabling him to better connect with people on an emotional level despite also overwhelming him with the intensity of others' emotions.
Deep dives
John's Journey of Self-Discovery
John Elder Robeson shares his personal journey of self-acceptance as someone on the autism spectrum. Growing up, John struggled with connecting emotionally with others and often felt like an outcast. However, after participating in an experimental brain study using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), he gained a new perspective on his own emotions and the experiences of others. The TMS experience allowed him to temporarily see and feel the emotions of those around him. While the acute effects faded over time, the experience permanently changed John's understanding of himself and the world, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and acceptance.
The Impact of TMS on Emotional Perception
During the TMS study, John was shown images of people displaying different emotions and asked to identify them. Prior to the treatment, he struggled to discern the emotions being portrayed. However, after the TMS stimulation, he had a heightened ability to recognize and interpret facial expressions and emotional cues. This newfound emotional perception allowed him to better connect with people on an emotional level, even though it also presented challenges by overwhelming him with the intensity of other people's emotions.
Challenges and Changes in Relationships
The TMS experience had a profound impact on John's relationships, particularly with his wife. Prior to the treatment, John's limited emotional perception made it difficult for him to empathize with his wife's depression. However, after the TMS, he gained a deeper understanding of her emotions and began to question his role in her struggles. This led to a period of upheaval in their marriage as they navigated the complexities of newfound emotional insights and their impact on their relationship dynamics.
Acceptance and Embracing Neurodiversity
The TMS experience provided John with a newfound understanding and acceptance of his neurodiverse identity. He realized that being on the autism spectrum did not make him broken or inferior; instead, it shaped his unique strengths and perspectives. This realization empowered John to embrace his authentic self and recognize that being different didn't equate to being deficient. The TMS experience served as a catalyst for his personal growth and self-acceptance, allowing him to see the beauty in his own neurodivergent journey.
The story of John Elder Robison is one of Maya’s favorite episodes and it’s also a top choice in our listener favorites series. John is a gifted sound engineer whose rare ability to understand machines propelled him to work with the likes of Kiss and Diana Ross. But the one thing he always felt was lacking was his ability to understand people emotionally. In an effort to see if he could change that, he volunteered to participate in an experimental brain study.