Had An Interesting Conversation

[cassa333]

I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine earlier.

Trying to explain what it's like to recongnise absolutely who you are talking to but look away and cannot, other than perhaps.... if I am really lucky.... say they have long or short hair!!

I am not able to describe anything about them. It is so difficult to recall detail that sometimes I think I should take a picture of the kids in case anything happened to them. I couldn't even say what they were wearing at the end of the day!!

Oh just realised the whole world is populated with The Silence lol

I have only about six months ago realised how different about my internal imagery is from other people.

Trying to explain it can be tricky lol

[Zacs-Master]

Have you been drinking?

[Zacs-Master]

Seriously tho, some people do not have a visual memory of anything. I was about 40 when I realised this. I thought everyone had the 'ability'.

[hc4361]

Can you see your dreams?

[Buenchico]

It's a form of aphantasia, which I share with you.

I can only remember that my best friend is heavily overweight through recalling talking about it. (I can't picture him in my mind).

I can't tell you anything about the looks of people I've known in the past (including my parents), or I know now, unless, at some time (for example), I've actually thought to myself "Oh, they're tall" or "Isn't his hair receding these days". (I have no pictures of them in my mind).

If I recall incidents where a friend was with with me (even just a minute or so after they've left) my 'visualisation' of the scene in my mind only includes a vague impression of them being present (or I might hear their words). I don't see them in my mind.

Aphantasia is common among people on the autism spectrum (as I am).

You can take an aphantasia test here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34039054

[cassa333]

No, I don't drink.

Maybe that would help?

I used to go to hipno therapy but it was useless. I was literally so bored I would nod off. Not hypnotised sleep, proper sleep.

When they say close your eyes and visualise walking along a beach or field or whatever etc for half an hour it gets rather tedious so I have a nap.

That's what happens when you have no internal visualisation. You see a beach I see nothing. You visualise your children's faces, I see nothing.

Perhaps that's why I don't get emotionally attached to people or things. When I don't see them they have no visuals in my head to remind me of them.??

[Zacs-Master]

Who me?.......only too vividly.

[Buenchico]

>>> Perhaps that's why I don't get emotionally attached to people or things

That shouts 'autism spectrum' to me!!!!

[cassa333]

I took the test about six months ago Chris I got the lowest score possible and my 13yr old daughter took it and got about the same score as me.

Trying to explain to people can be interesting though. I wonder if it the reason I have difficulty remembering people's names? Not being able to connect face with name. Hmm

I still prefer to think the world is populated with ThThe Silence. Lol

[Zacs-Master]

What does 'the world is populated with ThE Silence' mean?

[cassa333]

I've never thought of myself as autistic in anyway Chris. But I suppose one doesn't until proved otherwise!!

Mind you my nephew (not officially diagnosed with anything) is definitely on the spectrum.

[woofgang]

Interesting article but I am not sure that they have actually described two opposites there. I can translate text descriptions into vivid mind pictures, and can “see" my art or gardening projects in some detail while still at the planning stage; although I can’t draw them like the lady in the article. I can’t really “see” people I know in my mind’s eye and I also have real difficulty recognising even close friends if I am not expecting to see them.
When I was a child, I used to experience eidetic images but it faded as I got older. Just as well really as they came so strongly that I couldn’t see the real world through them which would have been fun when driving!

[Cloverjo]

My son is the same. He can't visualise things. For other reasons, I have always thought he might be on the autistic spectrum.

[mazie]

That must make life pretty difficult cassa. Is it something you can improve with mind exercise

[cassa333]

The Silence are a character race from Dr Who. You only remember them when you see them. Even a glance away and you have no recollection of them.... until you see them again.

They were in the papal mainframe religion that wanted to kill the Doctor and stop him saying his name from saying his name and returning Galiffray to our universe.

[cassa333]

I have lived for over 50 years not knowing I had a problem so it doesn't seem to interfere with anything really.

The harder I try to 'see' something the more it slips away so don't even try anymore.

It's just an interesting talking point :)

[Cloverjo]

I think it is very interesting.
I only recently learnt that my son has this. We were discussing a book we had both enjoyed, and I asked him what he saw in his mind while reading it. He said he never sees anything in his mind.

I'm wondering if you are good at drawing at all, Buenchico and Cassa, or does your inability to 'see' in your mind make it impossible to put it down on paper?

[-Talbot-]

Totally the oposite, Cassa
I can remember (recall details) everything visually and I mean everything.
I'm currently visualising the house I lived in when I was about 5 and I can recall it all.

[cassa333]

I can't even draw a stick man very well lol

I love craft but am useless at it.

I like to use the excuse that because I can't visualise I can't draw it ;) probably just crap at drawing though lol

I wish I could recall in such detail Talbot.

[Buenchico]

I can't draw for toffee - or even for beer :(

[Jackdaw33]

The only thing I can draw is my pension.