Big Picture Thinking Widens Your Field of Vision, Making Thought Organization Challenging
Dyslexic individuals often think in terms of the big picture, which means they see a broader range of connections and elements related to a topic. This expansive view can make it difficult to narrow down and organize thoughts into a linear sequence. Imagine looking down from a plane and seeing all the fields, towns, and roads below; this is how big picture thinking feels. It’s a beautiful way to see the world, but it can complicate the process of focusing on a single point during conversations or meetings.
Visual Thinking and Dyslexia: Bridging the Gap Between Images and Words
Living with dyslexia can often feel like navigating a complex world where the simplest tasks, like ordering thoughts, become daunting challenges. It’s not your fault that dyslexia makes certain aspects of communication difficult, but understanding and managing these challenges is your responsibility. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the struggle to order thoughts and provide strategies to help you communicate more effectively, turning what might feel like a curse into a valuable asset.
Nonlinear Thinking Adds Complexity to Ordering Thoughts
Closely related to big picture thinking is the concept of nonlinear thinking. For dyslexic individuals, arranging thoughts into a straightforward sequence—reason one, reason two, reason three—can feel overwhelming. The challenge lies in the multitude of interconnected ideas that come to mind, making it hard to present them in a simple, organized manner. This complexity often leads to staying silent rather than risking the embarrassment of a disorganized presentation.
Author Quote
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You might be thinking, you know what Natalie, I’ve made worse, but we all know that feeling when you’re talking to someone and they’re looking at you going ‘What on earth is she saying?’
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Working Memory Challenges Exacerbate Difficulties in Thought Ordering
Working memory, often described as the brain’s post-it note, plays a crucial role in holding and organizing information. For dyslexic individuals, a weak working memory can make it even harder to keep track of the many elements they see in their big picture view. This was the case for Erin, a coaching client who struggled to express her interconnected ideas in meetings. By sketching out her thoughts and then organizing them, Erin was able to overcome her working memory challenges and communicate more effectively.
Key Takeaways:
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Big Picture Thinking: Adults with dyslexia often engage in big picture thinking, which means they have a wider sphere of vision and connect more elements to a topic than others. This can make organizing thoughts more complex and challenging as they consider numerous interconnected ideas simultaneously.
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Nonlinear Thinking: Due to their big picture perspective, dyslexic adults may struggle with nonlinear thinking, making it difficult to sequence thoughts logically (e.g., reason one, reason two, reason three). This can lead to feelings of overwhelm when trying to simplify and order their thoughts, often resulting in them staying quiet in discussions to avoid embarrassment.
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Working Memory Challenges: Dyslexic adults often face difficulties with working memory, which is essential for holding and organizing information in the mind. Weak working memory can make it hard to remember and articulate thoughts in the correct order, leading to challenges in effectively communicating ideas, especially in settings like meetings.
Visual Thinking Can Make Translating Ideas into Words Difficult
Individuals with Dyslexia are often visual thinkers, which means they conceptualize ideas as images rather than words. This visual approach can make the transition from thought to speech particularly challenging. Words can feel like a nemesis when trying to convey the rich, interconnected images in your mind. Understanding this trait can help you develop strategies to bridge the gap between your visual thoughts and verbal communication.
Author Quote
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Transitioning that into words can feel so difficult and that’s why words can often feel like your nemesis with dyslexia.
”Overcoming Dyslexia and Auditory Memory Challenges Can Lead to a More Fulfilling Life
One of the most significant challenges for adults with dyslexia is managing dyslexia and Auditory Memory. These challenges can affect your ability to communicate effectively, but they are not insurmountable. By taking responsibility for understanding your dyslexic traits and developing strategies to manage them, you can turn these challenges into strengths. Whether it’s for a better life for your child or for your own personal growth, overcoming these hurdles can lead to more confident and fulfilling interactions in both personal and professional settings.
Transform your communication challenges into strengths with our Adult learning skills Package. Start today and unlock your potential for confident, effective interactions.
