In 2019, a Mexican girl named Adhara Pérez went viral for having an IQ of 162—two points higher than the estimated IQs of famous physicists Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.
Adhara, 10, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was three years old. This developmental disorder is on the autism spectrum and can influence a person’s ability to handle social interactions.
Adhara was bullied at school due to her condition. Her classmates called her “weirdo” and “oddball.” Even her teachers thought she didn’t have much of a future.
Nallely Sanchez was Adhara’s mother. She witnessed how Adhara was mocked by other kids.
“I saw that Adhara was playing in a little house and they locked her up. And they started to chant: ‘Oddball, weirdo!’” she told Yucatan Times. “And then they started hitting the little house. So I said, I don’t want her to suffer.”
Adhara became depressed from the constant bullying. She didn’t want to go to school anymore, and when she did, her teachers would see her sleeping in class. She also wouldn’t show interest in any activity.
Nallely was aware that Adhara was an extraordinary child with an intelligence seldom seen in children her age. At a young age, she had already mastered algebra as well as the periodic table.
Nallely took Adhara to see a psychiatrist. They recommended Adhara be admitted to the Center for Attention to Talent. That’s when the child was confirmed to be a genius.
The girl’s abilities allowed her to finish elementary school at 5 years old, middle school by 6, and high school by 8.
Today, Adhara is earning two online degrees—Industrial Engineering in Mathematics at UNITEC and Systems Engineering at CNCI. She dreams of being a NASA astronaut.
Adhara was also interested in studying astrophysics from the University of Arizona. She had already been offered a scholarship by the institution, but the girl hasn’t been able to go because of the challenges of acquiring a US Visa.
Forbes magazine named Adhara among the 100 most powerful Mexican women in 2019 The prodigy has also written a memoir titled “Don’t Give Up,” where she talks about her experiences.
Adhara also wants science to be more inclusive for girls and support boys with autism.
After meeting the grandson and first man to reach space, Yuri Gagarin’s grandson, the young genius was also invited to Russia.
Adhara’s intelligence, profound research on space and time, and exceptional performance in class earned her an invitation to the special event in Russia.
“The most difficult thing was breaking the stereotype that children with autism cannot and are incapable of achieving things,” Nallely said.
Adhara’s mom says that she is excited to meet other genius children from different parts of the globe.
“In whatever condition our children have, or do not have, parents always support their children in their dreams, because dreams always come true. With constancy, 50% children and 50% parents, can achieve it,” she said.
Adhara had also attended an event in Dubai where she presented the progress of her project—a smart bracelet that can study people’s emotions. It’s currently in the development stage and in need of sponsors.
This girl surely has a bright future ahead of her, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
Watch the video to learn more about this young genius.
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