MICHAEL DORFMAN

Dawn, I'm in the same 'boat' as you are. Total Aphantasia and ADD rather than ADHD, or so it appears. This, and other information, really add a significant piece to my life's puzzle. One example, if I need to plan a vacation I always feel great anxiety although I'm otherwise a very level headed guy who rarely experiences any anxiety. Since learning about aphantasia I figured the problem of remembering maps, locations of interest, accommodations, etc. was solely an imaging issue. It sure makes sense that what's frustrating me is both a deeper attention problem, that I don't see happening, and having no images to help me remember details. It's so frustrating! Now I can see how my whole life has revolved around these two 'forces'. Phew!!!

This from the an internet search: "Dominant learning method: Many researchers state that up to 80% of learning happens through the visual system, making visual memory crucial for learning and education."

Well, for those like myself, we have zero images in the first place so what would we see when quickly looking away? Perhaps those who have partial imagery could offer their experiences.

Maura, it's always interesting to read that others have similar issues but your post really blew me away! The similarities! And when someone talks about an event when they were say, eight I'm thinking, "How does your brain do that?" I have nearly no past, just vague thoughts which are not clear enough for me to be sure I haven't made them up over time. I love music but I've never been able to sing 20% of a song. Thanks for your post.

I saw the apple but only in B & W.

I discovered aphantasia, and identified myself as that 1% who has no imagery at all, just a few weeks ago. Talk about doors opening to greater awareness and new questions! Along with no clear images I've had very minimal recall of my life's events - big, small, wonderful or painful. There's never been any discrepancy. My academic life was abysmal. Now I wonder how do we know to what degree lack of imagery affects our degree of recall? And one more thing, although I can't image the inside of my own home, I am in the top 5% linguistically! I thought of that because many of you express yourselves very, very well and IMO well above average. Interesting... Your thoughts?