How Do Neurotypical People Think?

Have you ever had that moment when you realise someone sees the world in a completely different way? It can feel surprising or even a little confusing. This episode of the podcast dives into why our minds aren’t one-size-fits-all and offers a simple test to demonstrate we really do think in unique ways.

The conversation explores how our individual experiences shape our thoughts. Stephen Martin shares how a short exercise can highlight these differences. This helps increase empathy for anyone who thinks or learns differently, especially if you’re navigating dyslexia or ADHD. Below, I’ll break down the main ideas so you can see why we don’t all look at life through the same lens and what that means for our relationships and communication.

Why We Don’t Think the Same

Our backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses can create wildly different perspectives. Some people see everything through pictures in their mind, while others rely on words or numbers first. If you’ve ever wondered why someone seems to “just get it” or why certain instructions fall flat, it’s often because the way you think isn’t the way they think.

When Stephen explains how dyslexia affects his own thought patterns, you start to see how easy it is to overlook another person’s way of processing. Many of us assume people will automatically understand what’s inside our head. But that’s not realistic if our brain wiring has led us down a different path.

“It’s not like we can jump into their brains yet, so we need another way to experience their viewpoint.”

That’s where the simple test from this episode comes in. You’ll try out what might feel like a small puzzle, but it reveals how quickly we form mental pictures that other people might not share. Once you see how your friend or colleague interprets the same prompt, you’ll realise thinking is a highly personalised process.

The Simple Test That Reveals More Than You’d Expect

The test itself is straightforward. Stephen recommends picking a common object or concept and asking different people how they picture it. You could say, “Think of a house,” or, “Imagine a cat.” Then ask them to describe what they see.

You’ll find surprising insights:

• Some visualise an old cottage with a thatched roof.
• Some see a basic box shape with windows and a door.
• Others might focus on a memory of their childhood pet or home.
• A few will insist they barely see a picture at all.

This activity highlights how our minds construct images or ideas in different ways. Even though the word is the same, each person’s history, environment, and thinking style add layers of meaning. It’s a reminder that communication is more than words; it’s about understanding perspectives.

Why This Matters in Daily Life

People with learning differences need more than a single style of teaching or explanation. That’s true for newcomers at work, big family gatherings, or even personal relationships. When you realise that not everyone thinks the way you do, you naturally start adapting your approach.

You might repeat instructions in a more visual way, or you might use hands-on demonstrations to reach those who learn by doing. This also helps you see that there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to learn, just different ways that serve different people.

If you’re crafting an important message, test it out on someone you know thinks differently. Listen to how they interpret your words or images. Sometimes a tiny tweak can make your meaning far clearer.

Turning Awareness into Action

Knowing we all have unique mental landscapes is half the battle. Actually using that awareness is the key to reducing frustration and miscommunication. After trying the test Stephen mentioned, share your observations with others who might benefit from the insight.

Be open to asking questions, especially if you’re discussing a concept that feels natural to you. Ask them how they see it or if anything doesn’t make sense. These casual check-ins ensure you’re not making assumptions or leaving people behind.

It’s also helpful for you if you’re the one feeling misunderstood. Offer small examples about how you process information. Maybe you think in images and find lists overwhelming, or you need more time to picture what’s being discussed. People often appreciate straightforward honesty about how best to communicate with you.

Here are a few practical steps you can keep in mind:

• Ask if your explanation is clear or if they’d like a different approach.
• Provide alternative formats: text, audio, or diagrams.
• Use stories or analogies so people can see different angles.
• Encourage others to share how they think about the same topic.

If you start weaving these approaches into your everyday life, your communication improves. More importantly, you build a bridge of understanding that supports friends, family, co-workers, or students who have unique minds.

• Awareness: Realise that every mind is wired differently.
• Curiosity: Ask others how they see things in their mind’s eye.
• Adaptation: Tailor explanations to fit a variety of thinking styles.
• Acceptance: Embrace the idea that variety is what makes us human.
• Application: Use the simple test to demonstrate this in action.

When you connect with people in a way that meets them where they are, you show real empathy. It’s not always easy, but it can transform how you work and interact with others. Don’t underestimate the power of understanding someone else’s perspective—no matter how different it might be from yours.

Key Takeaways to Remember

• Thinking styles vary, often in ways we can’t see from the outside.
• Using a quick mental test can reveal deeper differences in perception.
• Adapt your communication to fit visual, auditory, or hands-on thinkers.
• Acknowledge that there’s no single “right” way to learn or process.
• Sharing examples of your own thinking style can help others help you.

If you’d like to hear more details and a few stories about how this test works in practice, make sure you listen to the full episode above. Feel free to pause and try the exercise yourself. You might discover that the house or cat you imagine isn’t what everyone else sees—and that’s perfectly normal. Understanding these differences can make life a lot less frustrating and a lot more interesting.