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Aphantasia and autism: An investigation of mental imagery vividness

DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2024.103749
King, R., Buxton, H., & Tyndall, I. (2024). Aphantasia and autism: an investigation of mental imagery vividness. Consciousness and Cognition, 125, 103749. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2024.103749

Abstract

A groundbreaking study has uncovered important connections between autism and the ability to create mental imagery. Researchers compared mental imagery experiences between autistic and non-autistic individuals, revealing several fascinating findings. The study found that autistic individuals generally reported less vivid mental imagery compared to non-autistic participants. More significantly, about 20% of autistic participants met the criteria for aphantasia (very low or no mental imagery), compared to only 6% of non-autistic participants. This suggests that aphantasia may be more common among autistic individuals. Interestingly, while differences were found in visual imagery, most other sensory types of mental imagery (such as sound, smell, taste, and touch) showed no significant differences between groups. However, autistic participants did report less vivid emotional imagery - the ability to imagine feeling different emotions. These findings help explain why some autistic individuals might process information differently and could lead to better-tailored approaches for learning and therapy. The research also highlights the natural diversity in how different minds work, suggesting that various ways of processing mental imagery may each come with their own strengths.

Authors

  • Rachel King1
  • Harry Buxton1
  • Ian Tyndall1

Exploring the Connection Between Autism and Mental Imagery

Overview/Introduction

A recent study has provided new insights into the relationship between autism and the ability to create mental imagery. Mental imagery refers to the ability to visualize or imagine things in the mind's eye, which can include visual, auditory, and emotional images. This research focused on comparing the vividness of mental imagery in autistic and non-autistic individuals, revealing some intriguing differences that could have practical implications for understanding and supporting autistic individuals.

Methodology

  • Participants: The study involved autistic and non-autistic adults who participated in an online survey.
  • Tools Used: Participants completed several questionnaires, including the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-50), to assess their mental imagery vividness and autistic traits.
  • Procedure: The survey was conducted online, allowing participants to report their experiences with mental imagery across different sensory modalities, such as vision, sound, and emotion.

Key Findings

  • Vividness of Mental Imagery: Autistic individuals generally reported less vivid visual and emotional imagery compared to non-autistic participants.
  • Aphantasia Prevalence: A significant finding was that about 20% of autistic participants met the criteria for aphantasia, a condition characterized by very low or no mental imagery. This was notably higher than the 6% observed in non-autistic participants.
  • Other Sensory Modalities: While differences were noted in visual and emotional imagery, other sensory types (sound, smell, taste, touch) showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Implications

  • Understanding Autism: These findings suggest that the way autistic individuals process information might be influenced by differences in mental imagery. This could help explain some of the unique cognitive experiences of autistic individuals.
  • Educational and Therapeutic Approaches: The research highlights the importance of considering these differences when developing learning and therapeutic strategies for autistic individuals. Tailored approaches that account for varying mental imagery abilities could enhance effectiveness.

Limitations

  • Verification of Autism Diagnosis: The study relied on self-reported autism diagnoses, which could introduce variability. Future research could benefit from clinically verified diagnoses.
  • Focus on Visual Imagery: The study primarily used visual imagery assessments with eyes open, which might not fully capture the complexity of mental imagery experiences.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the diversity of mental imagery experiences in autistic individuals, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in education and therapy. Understanding these differences can help us appreciate the unique ways in which di...