Autistic individuals often think in pictures, but thinking styles vary widely, highlighting the need for personalized support and understanding.
As an actually autistic adult and autism advocate, I often encounter discussions about “thinking in pictures” in the context of autism. One of the people who is using the theory that autistic people think in pictures is certainly Temple Grandin, and she has written a lot about it.
Many studies suggest that autistic people use visual images in their minds to process information instead of words or other methods. I want to share my perspective on this topic and highlight the diversity and personal experiences within the autism spectrum.
Research on Thinking in Pictures
Research shows that 80% of autistic people say they mostly think in pictures, 12% say they might think in pictures, and 8% say they do not. These numbers suggest that many autistic people prefer visual thinking. However, it’s crucial to remember that autism is a spectrum, meaning there’s a lot of variation in how we think.
Frequent Use of Visual Mental Images
Autistic people, including myself, often report using visual images more frequently in our everyday lives compared to non-autistic people. These images can be very detailed and clear. A study by Bled et al. (2021) supports this, showing that autistic adults describe their inner thoughts with vivid visual themes. But it’s important to note that not all autistic people think this way; some of us use other methods to process information.
Visual Thinking as a Main Way of Thinking
Many of us rely on visual thinking as our main way of processing information. This visual thinking is often more vivid and detailed than that of non-autistic people. Kunda and Goel (2011) found that some autistic people use visual mental images to do tasks that non-autistic people usually do with words. Brain studies also support this visual bias, showing that certain brain areas are more active. However, it’s crucial to remember that not all of us think visually, and our thinking can be flexible depending on the situation.
Differences in Thinking Styles
While many autistic people think in pictures, there’s a lot of variation in our thinking styles. Some of us think more in words or patterns. Turnbull et al. (2020) found that as autistic traits increase, people tend to think more in words than in pictures. This shows that thinking styles can be very different among us. It’s important to recognize this and to listen to our personal experiences.
Evidence for Visual Thinking
Studies with behavior and brain scans show strong support for visual thinking in autistic people. This visual bias is linked to better visual skills in specific brain areas. This way of thinking affects how we do different mental tasks, like remembering things, solving problems, and social interactions. While a strong visual preference can sometimes make verbal tasks harder, it can also highlight unique skills and talents that are often overlooked.
Impact on Daily Life and Mental Tasks
Thinking in pictures can greatly affect how we handle daily tasks and mental activities. Visual thinking can help us remember details and solve visual problems. However, it can also create challenges in situations that require verbal communication and processing. For example, some of us might struggle with verbal instructions or expressing our thoughts in words, making social interactions difficult. It’s important to note that these effects are not always negative; many of us have unique skills and talents that come from our way of thinking.
Conclusion
It’s clear that many autistic people tend to think in pictures, using detailed and vivid visual mental images. However, there is significant variation in our thinking styles. Some of us might rely more on words or pattern-based thinking. This variability highlights the importance of personalized approaches in education and therapy for us. By better understanding our unique thinking processes, we can develop supportive strategies that help us thrive in our daily lives and mental tasks.
Recommendations for Future Research
While we know a lot about how we think, there’s still room for more research. Future studies could focus on:
- Understanding Differences: Learning more about the different thinking styles within the autism spectrum and how these differences affect daily life and learning needs.
- Interventions and Support: Creating interventions and support strategies that specifically address the visual thinking style of some autistic people, as well as those who think more verbally or in patterns.
- Brain Studies: Expanding brain studies to better understand the neural basis of visual thinking and other cognitive styles in autistic people.
- Long-term Studies: Investigating how our thinking styles change over time and what factors influence these changes.
Practical Applications
For professionals working with us, such as teachers, therapists, and caregivers, it’s crucial to recognize and use our preferences and strengths. Visual aids, like pictures, schedules, and visual tools, can be especially helpful in educational settings. Additionally, social stories and visual scenarios can help improve social skills and understand complex social situations. However, these tools must be tailored to our individual needs.
Ethical Considerations
When designing research and interventions, ethical considerations should be a priority. It’s important to respect our voices and choices and involve us in decisions that affect our lives. This not only improves the effectiveness of interventions but also promotes an inclusive and respectful approach to autism. In practice, however, this is not always followed. Many of us still feel marginalized and unheard, both in scientific research and in society.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how we think, especially in terms of visual and verbal representations, offers valuable insights that can lead to more effective support and inclusion. By continuing research and using personalized approaches, we can better meet the unique needs and strengths of autistic individuals, significantly improving our quality of life. Integrating personal experiences and an inclusive approach can give us a fuller, more nuanced picture of the autistic experience. Ultimately, this will lead to better support and a greater appreciation of the diversity within our community.
The European Autist 