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Theme: Stories

Discover personal journeys and unique strategies with our specialized selection of Community Stories at Aphantaisa Network. Dive deep into the experiences of individuals who live with aphantasia and learn firsthand about their unique perspectives and coping mechanisms. Every story offers a window into a world without mental imagery, providing both support and insight for everyone in our community. Join the conversation and share your own story today!

Accepting Neurodiversity
Stories
Accepting Neurodiversity: The Authentic Path to Inclusion
I used to think of myself as part of the “norm”—someone who wasn’t different. But over time, I began to realize that my dyslexia, my aphantasia, the way I process and express ideas, all pointed to a different kind of mind. Not broken. Not less. Just different. And in embracing that difference, I stopped seeing it as a deficit and started seeing it as a strength. It changed how I teach, how I connect with others, and most importantly, how I see myself.
Bryn Williams-Jones
on April 14, 2025
conceptual thinking
Stories
Creating with Conceptual Thinking: The Art of Not Seeing
As an artist with aphantasia, I create without mental images, relying on conceptual thinking and tactile exploration. My process transforms abstract ideas into tangible works, using recycled materials and collage to bring concepts to life. Without visual preconceptions, I embrace discovery, letting the journey shape my art and reimagining creativity as a dialogue with the world around me.
Onofrio Passariello
on February 10, 2025
Writer with aphantasia
Stories
Describing What You Cannot See—A Horror Writer With Aphantasia Explains His Process
As a horror writer with aphantasia, I can’t visualize the creepy skulls I write about. Yet, I still describe vivid scenes by focusing on sounds, smells, and emotions. My imagination doesn’t need visuals to create gripping stories—character depth and atmosphere are my strengths.
Chad Anctil
on October 31, 2024
Ekphrasis
Stories
Ekphrasis: The Ancient Art of Evoking Vivid Mental Images
Did the ancient Greeks know some people can’t create mental images? The forgotten history of ekphrasis challenges our assumptions about imagination and offers surprising insights into our image-saturated world.
Jennifer McDougall
on August 1, 2024
Without a Mind's Eye
Stories
Writing Fantasy Without a Mind’s Eye
Aphantasia, living without a mind's eye, doesn't hinder creativity. Despite my inability to visualize, I wrote and published a fantasy novel, proving creativity thrives in unique ways.
Frank Schutz
on June 11, 2024
Intrusive Thoughts WIthout Imagery
Stories
Intrusive Thoughts Without Imagery
People with aphantasia can’t visualize, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts without imagery can be a whole-body, terrifying experience.
Liana M Scott
on May 13, 2024
Eclipsing Aphantasia
Stories
Eclipsing Aphantasia: A Journey of Discovery and Memory from the 1963 Solar Eclipse
In July 1963, Alice Grebanier's observation of a total solar eclipse marked a pivotal moment in her life. This event, merging scientific discovery with profound reflections on memory and emotion, showcases how moments of discovery can eclipse the limitations of memory recall in aphantasia.
on April 8, 2024
Memories without imagery
Stories
Memories Without Imagery—Remembering Outside the Lines
People with aphantasia may struggle with memory recall. This may be because our memories are image-free. But, just because we can't see our memories, does that mean we don't have them? The ability to visualize is not a prerequisite for remembering rich experiences.
Diane Currie Richardson
on March 18, 2024
differences
Stories
How Our Invisible Differences Can Enrich a Marriage
Whether you’re an aphant or a visualizer, marriage, or any loving partnership, is about commitment. Among other things, commitment means respecting each other’s differences and working through them lovingly.
Frank Schutz
on February 19, 2024
no mental imagery
Stories
How Aphantasia Can Make You Seem Insensitive
We’re not — aphants don’t see the world the way most people do. Our brains work differently.
Mark Farrar
on February 5, 2024