Sassy Smith, a therapist from Bournemouth, has lived with a condition that prevents her from visualizing images in her mind. Known as aphantasia, this phenomenon affects between one to five percent of the population. Smith’s experience highlights the complexities of memory and imagination, as she also grapples with a related condition called severely deficient autobiographical memory (SDAM).
For Sassy, recalling her childhood or the faces of loved ones is a challenge. “I remember stories, but I cannot picture myself as a child or even the details of significant events, like my wedding dance in 2005,” she explains. This realization came later in life for her, at the age of 50, when the understanding of her condition began to clarify her experiences.
Aphantasia, a term coined by Professor Adam Zeman of Exeter University, was formally identified in 2015. Smith’s struggles resonate with many individuals who share similar experiences, particularly those who also have SDAM. While both conditions remain poorly understood, recent research is shedding light on their causes.
New Insights from Brain Research
A recent study conducted at the Paris Brain Institute utilized advanced imaging techniques to study the brains of individuals with aphantasia. Using ultra-high-field functional MRI, researchers discovered that while key areas of the brain linked to memory and visual processing remain activated, there is significantly less communication between these areas. According to Jianghao Liu, the cognitive neuroscientist leading the research, this disconnect may explain why individuals with aphantasia can have accurate visual knowledge of objects, yet struggle to visualize them internally.
Sassy describes her memories of childhood as a “series of knowings.” Although she knows experiences occurred, she cannot conjure images of them. “For example, I know my friends and I built camps on a road near my house, but I don’t remember it,” she states. This lack of visual recall has also impacted her ability to grieve the loss of her stepfather, who passed away from cancer in 2011. Despite her emotional memories, the inability to visualize his face or their shared experiences has left her feeling disconnected.
Understanding Aphantasia and SDAM
The recognition of aphantasia and SDAM has opened new dialogues about cognitive differences. The Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), created in 1973 by psychologist David Marks, serves as a diagnostic tool. It assesses individuals’ ability to visualize by asking them to form mental images of various objects and rate their clarity. A score of 16-19 on this scale may indicate aphantasia.
In 2015, Professor Zeman published his findings on aphantasia, which resonated with thousands who identified with the condition. He noted that a significant number of those reaching out to him were born with aphantasia, leading him to suggest that it is a cognitive difference rather than an impairment. He theorizes that genetics may play a role in its prevalence.
Both aphantasia and SDAM prompt a re-evaluation of how we understand memory and consciousness. For individuals like Sassy, the journey to self-discovery through these conditions is profound. “Learning about aphantasia was a lightbulb moment for me. I felt seen for the first time,” she shares.
As Sassy continues to navigate her life and work as a therapist, she emphasizes the importance of understanding these cognitive differences. She advocates for broader awareness, stating, “Not everyone can visualize or have an inner voice. It can feel incredibly isolating.”
To cope with her memory challenges, Sassy has begun documenting her life through photos and videos. She aims to preserve the faces and moments that are difficult for her to visualize. “I fear what will happen when my parents pass away. I want to hold onto the memories we’ve shared,” she admits.
Through her experiences, Sassy has transformed her understanding into a professional pursuit, retraining as a therapist in 2019. Her forthcoming book, “Unseen Minds: A Therapist’s Guide to Multisensory Aphantasia and Invisible Cognitive Differences,” aims to share her insights and help others who may face similar challenges.
As research continues to unfold, the understanding of aphantasia and SDAM may pave the way for new approaches in therapy and support for those affected. For now, individuals like Sassy are finding their voices and advocating for recognition in a world where the mind’s eye may not see as vividly as others.
