Twists, Turns, and Truths Noel Kuebrich

U, R, U’, R’, F, R’, F’, R. edges placed. There’s only one more piece, then I’ll finally move on to solving
the third layer. It’s coming along more quickly than I’d expected, too.

I can vaguely hear the rhythmic click, click, click of magnets, the corners in front of me realigning
as I move on in pursuit of the next piece.

I’m comforted by the embrace of the warm overhead lighting above me. It illuminates the task at hand, observing with me as each color blurs into the next, the cube being skillfully molded into shape as my hands work without instruction.

Solved. WCA, 3x3x3: 20.77 seconds.

It didn’t matter whether I was researching the differences between species of companion parrots or memorizing the location of every country and territory: Being ardently engaged in a topic has always come—due in part to the fact that I’m autistic—even more naturally to me than walking.

This wasn’t always fostered, of course. I’ve had my fair share of irritated teachers, confused friends, and apathetic peers. I can understand it—not everyone is mentally equipped to listen to a little kid zealously rant about niche scientific topics with a fervor that only an autistic person with a special interest can muster, you know?

It didn’t take me long to...