This was a fascinating read. As I seek out more experiential writing from those with neurodivergence, I start to find better ways to define and acknowledge my own experiences that I’ve had trouble putting into words.

You mentioned your inability to do visualization exercises. I was wondering, how does this effect you when you’re reading?

Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, I was an avid and efficient reader when I could hyper focus on a book (often holding it under my desk while a teacher was talking). I could picture brilliant and vivid scenery as I read, and I often dream in similar vivid details. The problem for me was and still is, whenever I come across a passage that describes the layout or properties of a location, I struggle to conjure that image. I get lost in long but skillfull paragraphs that describe a room or a forest, or the arrangement of things on a table. As vivid as my imagery can be, it’s based around atmospheric impressions rather than descriptive words.

I’m better with metaphorical and emotional descriptions than descriptions of layout. Even a character’s physical description is difficult for me to imagine or remember if it relies on physical attributes more than metaphors or more psychological descriptions of their personality/motivations. I also struggle terribly when it comes to describing a setting or location in my own work. These things break my focus, often entirely.