Quote:
Originally Posted by Ceara1010
Hi, I'm ADD and was diagnosed years ago. Also, I have a degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology, so I am very interested in how people think and process information.
Some people are more visual-thinkers than others, and being so isn't a disability. Some people need movement as they are reading or listening. Some people need to use multiple senses to process information. It's just important to know how you process things.
However, if you are a visual thinker who is having trouble visualizing, this is a problem.
Unfortunately, a whole lot of information is conveyed in an auditory way--meaning, you get the info only through your ears--without pictures. So it's up to visual thinkers to come up with ways to make pictures in their heads of what they are hearing. Same thing goes for something they read. Words on a page must be translated in the brain as pictures or "movies" so they can be comprehended and remembered.
However, some visual thinkers can have difficulty "making movies" in their heads about what they are trying to process, and this does cause problems. But truly, everyone comprehends and remembers things better if they can visualize in their heads.
There is actually a program called the Lindamood Bell Method that focuses on improving people's ability to visualize what it is they are trying to comprehend and remember and they have centers around the U.S. (I was in their program back in the 80s and they helped me a lot.) There may be other programs out there now doing similar work. I recommend you do some Googling on this topic.
As I said, if you are a visual thinker/processor who is having trouble visualizing in your head, then this is a problem. But there are programs out there that can help you. So hang in there.
--Ceara1010
|
Thank you! I’ll check out the Lindamood Bell Method. I’ve been very motivated to get a job lately, so I’ve put a lot of thought into my situation, and I think I understand it better now than I did when I wrote my original post.
I originally thought my poor concentration was caused by my poor memory, but I think the more likely cause is that I simply have a bad memory that is made worse by ADHD. I first started noticing signs of losing concentration when I was 13, and I never knew how to deal with this. My mind was constantly thinking about things, and unless I focused on one thing I didn’t perform well.
What this meant is when my mind wandered and I was distracted, that it was harder for me to visualize things. However, as I’ve noticed, if I’m focused on something my memory isn’t that bad--perhaps even slightly above average.
I’ve finally gotten to a place where I can focus well. My mind doesn’t wander like it used to, and I’m noticing my memory is being affected, in that I’m visualizing things easier, and forgetting less.
My biggest issue comes from things I don’t understand, and thus can’t visualize, as my mind immediately starts going in every direction to try and find an answer. So I’m still not perfect in terms of focusing, but I’m way better than when I was younger.
I’ll keep at it. I’m confident enough in my ability now that I’ve started looking for jobs, and I’ve decided I’m going to give general transcription a try. I’m a very fast typist who has a good grasp of the English language, and I feel I have the skills necessary to succeed at the job.