How Dyslexics Should Use Mind Maps With Darius Namdaran

Are you someone who's tried mind mapping but couldn't quite make it stick? Maybe you loved the idea, fiddled around with colourful branches, then felt frustrated when it didn't match your thought process. This episode of the Truth About Dyslexia dives into how dyslexic brains process mind maps differently, and what we can do to turn these tools into real problem-solvers.

I had the chance to chat with mind mapping pro Darius Namdaran, the go-to expert for Dyslexics who want to organise information in a more visual, meaningful way. We got stuck into the reasons standard mind maps often miss the mark, the importance of reframing our approach, and how these maps can help us get clarity on some of life's trickiest challenges.

Why Mind Maps Matter to Dyslexics

Mind maps have that instant visual appeal. You can see branches, words, and colours all on one page. For Dyslexics, visual thinking can come more naturally than linear note-taking. But as Darius points out, the typical “bubble in the middle, branches on the outside” model isn't always enough for a dyslexic mind.

A typical mind map lays out information in neat categories, but our brains can jump around or see patterns differently. We might feel restricted by those rigid rules of where a branch should go, or how a main topic should be titled. Darius has spent years working with Dyslexic children and adults, and he's found simple ways to adapt mind maps to fit the way we really think.

Reframing ‘Standard’ Mind Maps

One of the biggest shifts is learning there's no single "correct" way to map your ideas. Many of us start a mind map, get stuck, and assume we’re just not “visual enough.” Darius helps reframe that by encouraging us to experiment: start in the centre, but don't feel bad if your map grows in a less structured way. Maybe each branch doesn't need a perfect sub-branch for every thought. It’s about finding your own flow.

“Mind mapping is like building a visual skeleton for your ideas. You put down the bones, then add flesh as you go along.” — Darius Namdaran

His analogy captures a big key: your map doesn’t have to be a final product immediately. It's a tool, an organic process that can change as you explore new angles.

How Mind Maps Can Solve Problems

Mind maps aren’t just for fancy brainstorming sessions. We talked about how to use them for practical problem-solving:

• Planning Projects: Breaking down a big task into smaller steps helps you see the big picture and the details.
• Daily To-Do Lists: A mind map can categorise everything swirling in your head, so you can prioritise.
• Revision and Learning: Visual summaries help Dyslexics recall information more effectively than pages of notes.
• Decision-Making: When you see pros, cons, or options in a branching format, it’s easier to weigh them up.

By experimenting with free-flowing structures and personal touches, you can unlock ways to tackle obstacles that once felt overwhelming. Mind maps can give you a bird’s-eye view of everything you need to juggle.

Practical Tips for Mind Mapping Success

We dug into some practical steps that can make mind mapping less daunting. These tips might look simple, but they can help create a system that fits you.

First, start with a main topic or question in the centre, then let your thoughts wander. If a sub-topic doesn't feel like it relates to the one you already have, create a new branch. If you get stuck trying to link ideas, leave some blank space. You might discover a new connection later.

Second, try using key words or short phrases instead of long sentences. This helps keep the map crisp. Colour-coding is an easy next step. If you’re a red-for-warning and green-for-growth type of person, let that reflect in your branches, so key points catch your eye.

Finally, play around with pictures or doodles. A quick sketch can sometimes say far more than a perfect sentence. Don’t worry if your pictures look silly. What matters is if they trigger your memory or spark ideas.

Key Takeaways

• Standard mind mapping can feel restrictive, so give yourself permission to bend the rules.
• Visual thinking is your friend. Use colours, doodles, and flexible branches.
• Focus on a main topic or question, then let your imagination fill in the blanks.
• Your map is a living document—adapt it as you learn and grow.
• Use mind maps to organise tasks, revise information, and make decisions.

If you want more insights from Darius about visual learning, including his specialised approaches for Dyslexics, check out his site at bulletmapacademy.com.

Ready to discover how mind maps can change the way you think and plan? Hit play on the podcast player at the top of the page, and settle in for a chat that might spark new ideas for your own creative journey.