How to translate a mind
Or, "Why bother reading this newsletter?"
How to translate a mind
Engage deeply in introspection and reflection.
(Mentally) whip out your thought-word dictionary and attempt to find approximate thought-word matches so you can be understood.
Flounder at this for 20+ years.
Realise you’ve been using the wrong dictionary after all.
Find a more suitable dictionary, or better still, create your own.
And that, Reader, is why I’m here despite the fact that…
I have a strange relationship with words.
I graduated with a degree in English Literature and have worked as a copywriter for more than a decade.
All that exposure to wordsmithery didn’t shape me into a fluent writer, though I’m an avid reader. (Just ask my teachers—they all wrote the same things in my report cards.)
You see, most of the time I’m a translator, not a writer.
I’m primarily a visual thinker: I translate my non-verbal thoughts into verbal thoughts, then into (written or spoken) words.
For years, I struggled to find the right ‘dictionary’ to make sense of my thoughts. I was constantly misinterpreted, punished or mocked for my communication style. Of course, my undiagnosed neurodivergence didn’t help.
I realised I had to adapt; my native social language seemed to be working against me. Cue the multiple rounds of translation before I open my mouth to speak.
In 2022, I finally discovered the reason why I felt like a perpetually unpaid and overworked translator-actress.
Turns out I’m neurodivergent: 2e AuDHD, to be specific.
I’ll translate (ha) for those who have no idea what that string of letters and numbers means—I’m a twice-exceptional autistic ADHDer.
It means a lot of things, but simply put, I have exceptional strengths and experience exceptional challenges because of the way my brain works. Gifted and disabled.
And so I found out that all the translating I was doing:
had a name and was called masking/camouflaging
wasn’t some bizarre superpower
Tbh I’m just relieved—if I were a superhero I’d call myself Chameleon Lady, which doesn’t sound very badass.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here’s what this newsletter is about.
Uninverted is my way of exploring the complexities of being 2e and neurodivergent, healing from trauma and building an inclusive community:
1. Uninverting complex minds
I’m writing (or translating) to understand myself better.
As someone who’s healing from complex PTSD/developmental trauma, writing a new and more integrated narrative of my life has been so helpful in the healing process.
Having been in therapy for the better part of almost 3 years, I discovered that some parts of my mind are labyrinthine and vast in their complexity; some are folded into themselves, hidden within dark wings I created for protection. It can get quite confusing at times (think House of Leaves or Piranesi).
By sharing my journey of growth and healing, I hope some of it can resonate with those of you who are on similar journeys. We can learn how to heal and uninvert our minds together, if you’re open to that. Also, I want to do Cool Things and have fun in this space! *throws confetti*
2. Connecting with 2e and neurodivergent folks
I believe that strong communities can move mountains, and have been actively connecting with 2e and neurodivergent people both online and offline.
I’m so grateful to have met people who share my lived experiences and are passionate about creating a more inclusive society.
As our understanding of 2e and neurodivergence is still in its infancy in Singapore and Southeast Asia, where I come from, I’m especially keen to meet others with shared cultural influences.
My hope is that with time and effort, we’ll be able to understand and empathise more deeply with each other and with others who aren’t in our communities.
I’m done feeling lonely while surrounded by people. Let’s connect!
3. Art and writing for advocacy
Truth be told, I still shrink back from fully sharing my art and writing with others.
While I do have an Instagram account @byracheltng for that purpose, I feel like it’s not the best platform to share long-form writing, especially for my advocacy work on neurodiversity, disability and mental health.
I dream of connecting more deeply with others through my creations as an artist and advocate—starting Uninverted is a small step in that direction.
Can I read your posts for free?
Yes you can, for now! Feel free to subscribe—I’ll be posting every other Tuesday (I promise to try my best to stick to this schedule if my ADHD doesn’t get in the way).
Eventually, I’ll roll out paid subscriptions to give you full access to original research, art, poetry and creative non-fiction on 2e and neurodivergence-related topics.
Here are some topics in the pipeline:
Twice-exceptionality (2e) and neurodivergence
Identity formation, growth and integration
Myths and misunderstandings
Strengths, struggles and coping strategies
Thinking and processing styles
My experiences as a 2e learner
My experiences as a 2e adult: work, relationships, friendships
Cultural perspectives on giftedness and neurodivergence in Singapore and Southeast Asia
Sensory ethnography
Autoethnographical research on neurodivergence
Sensory inclusion
Sensory ethnography and trauma
Disability, inclusion and AI ethics
Metafiction and empathic imagination in disability literature
Ultimately, Uninverted is about finding clarity, connection and courage in complexity. I hope you’ll join me on this journey—looking forward to hearing from you in the comments!