Autism has been a widely researched topic in the past two decades. Among the notable figures in this field is Associate Professor Rochelle Hines, who has also co-founded the renowned Hines Group at UNLV.
Hines Research
Hines Research Group focuses on studying the intricacies of neurodevelopmental processes, particularly in conditions like autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and developmental epilepsies. However, her research journey has not been without challenges and triumphs. Just before she was set to complete her Ph.D. in the fourth year, her mentor tragically passed away unexpectedly.
This devastating loss not only affected her personally but also significantly impacted her training and professional journey. It felt almost impossible for Hines to continue with her Ph.D. research. Despite the immense grief she experienced, Hines persevered, though her confidence was a little shaken. One day, a senior faculty member came into the photocopy room where Hines was copying a journal article.
Upon seeing her, he asked abruptly, “Do you know what your problem is?” Confused and taken aback by the question, Hines stared and wondered how to respond. The senior faculty continued, “Your problem is that you have no confidence.” Hines couldn’t help but feel a jolt of shock and defeat. She ignored the comment and returned to her work, feeling slightly disheartened. But this incident sparked some in her questions; she tried to reflect on those words and wondered if there was any truth. Hines realized that although she had faced many obstacles, her self-doubt and lack of confidence kept her from reaching her full potential. She started pushing herself out of her comfort zone, taking on more challenges and opportunities for growth.
Hines Regains her Confidence
She regained her confidence and completed her Ph.D., eventually becoming a successful researcher in the field. In a brief interview, Hines was asked what advice she would give to her younger self. She replied, “I would advise myself not to take things personally and to always remind myself to take things lightly.” As Huxley once said, “Learn to do everything lightly.” This simple yet powerful message resonates with many individuals who struggle with overthinking and taking things too seriously.
It is possible
At Nevada Autism, we applaud Dr Hines for her resilience and determination to finish her Ph.D. and succeed in her field. Self-doubt is a key issue not only for a majority of neurotypical students but also for those on the autism spectrum. Many individuals with autism struggle with self-confidence and believing in their abilities due to various challenges they face in academic and social settings. However, as we’ve seen with Dr. Hines, overcoming these doubts and achieving success is possible.
Additionally, having a supportive community and seeking out resources can greatly aid in building confidence and pushing past self-doubt. At Nevada Autism Center, we offer support services such as ABA therapy, education programs, and mentorship opportunities to help individuals on the autism spectrum thrive academically and personally. We believe everyone has unique strengths and abilities, and our mission is to help individuals with autism recognize these strengths and reach their full potential.
