Adhara Pérez Sánchez, a 9-year-old from Mexico City, is rewriting perceptions of autism and intellectual capability with her extraordinary achievements. With an IQ of 162, higher than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking’s estimated 160, Pérez has already graduated high school and is currently pursuing degrees in systems engineering and mathematics.
Early Struggles in School for the 9-year-old
Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a developmental disorder on the autism spectrum, Pérez faced significant challenges in her early school years. Her condition, which can make social interactions difficult, led to relentless bullying. “I saw that Adhara was playing in a little house, and they locked her up,” her mother, Nallely Sanchez, told the Yucatan Times. “They started chanting, ‘Oddball, weirdo!’ and then they started hitting the little house. I didn’t want her to suffer.”
The bullying caused Pérez to withdraw and fall into a “very deep” depression. Despite her obvious intelligence, she lost interest in school, often sleeping during class. Teachers assumed she was disengaged, but her mother noticed her brilliance at home. Realizing the traditional education system wasn’t suitable, Sanchez sought therapy and an environment tailored to her daughter’s exceptional abilities.
Academic Breakthroughs
Once provided with the right support, Pérez thrived. She completed elementary school by age 5, middle school by 6, and high school by 8. Currently enrolled at Universidad CNCI in Mexico, she is working on dual degrees in systems engineering and mathematics.
Despite her rigorous studies, Pérez found time to write a book titled Do Not Give Up (translated from Spanish) and was featured in Forbes México‘s list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Mexico.
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Inspiring Others with Knowledge
Pérez’s achievements extend beyond academics. She gave a presentation on black holes at an event hosted by the Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC) in Tijuana, astonishing attendees with her depth of knowledge. Karen Alonso, a young participant, remarked, “I’m surprised because how can a little girl know so much more than an adult? She already has two college careers.”
Pérez aspires to become an astronaut, focusing on astrophysics and dreaming of a future at NASA. Her ambitions include traveling to Mars.
An Invitation to the University of Arizona
Pérez’s story caught the attention of Robert Robbins, president of the University of Arizona, who extended an invitation for her to study astronomy there. In a letter shared by the Arizona Republic, Robbins wrote, “We have many outstanding space sciences programs. You would have many opportunities to work side by side with the world’s leading experts. You have a bright future ahead of you, and I hope to welcome you on campus one day as a Wildcat.”
Currently, Pérez is learning English to prepare for this opportunity, underscoring her determination to reach her goals.
Her journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of tailored education for individuals with unique abilities, proving that with the right support, extraordinary potential can flourish.