When Your Words & Pictures Don't Match...

Curious about how the brain handles words and meanings? Ever felt like your visual imagination is driving the bus? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into dyslexia’s link to visual processing and why it’s both challenging and rich with creative possibilities.

The conversation reveals how dyslexia isn’t simply an issue with letters, but rather a brain that’s wired to favour images over symbols. That wiring can unlock impressive strengths in imagination and problem-solving. It can also add a degree of difficulty in language-based tasks. If you want a fresh view of what’s happening in the dyslexic mind as it attempts to define words and make sense of language, this episode is worth a listen.

Why Visual Processing Is So Powerful

Our brains have two sides, and each side does something slightly different. In many people, language processing happens mostly on the left side. For dyslexics, the right side often lights up, helping with processing images, patterns, and creative solutions.

This can feel like a superpower when it comes to thinking outside the box. The ability to piece together bits of information and see the big picture is a natural gift for many dyslexics. That’s why you sometimes hear stories of famous inventors or artists who credit their dyslexia for pushing them in different directions.

However, when you have to describe or define words precisely, it can take longer to translate a picture in your head into structured language. It’s not that the definition isn’t there, it just lives in a more visual space. As we discuss on the show, the brain sometimes has to flip between two modes to make sense of the spelling and meaning, which can feel like a slow dance.

Where Symbols Become Tricky

Reading relies on recognising symbols and connecting them to meaning. For dyslexics, that symbolic side might feel a bit like a foreign language. This can cause hiccups in spelling, grammar, and quick word retrieval. But here’s the catch—your visual brain is constantly busy, soaking up context and nuance like a sponge.

So, even if you stumble or pause while reading aloud, your mind is often leaps ahead in creativity. This mismatch—strong imaginative thinking paired with slower symbolic processing—can be confusing. But it also highlights where dyslexia can shine. Sometimes the path to solutions or ideas isn’t linear, especially when you’re used to jumping around with images in your head.

As one listener chimed in, learning to work with the strengths of visual thinking can be life-changing. They said, “Once I accepted that my mind sees in pictures, I found ways to show that in my work.”

Clarity Through Definitions

One thing we explore in this episode is how the brain actually understands and identifies the definitions of words. There’s more to defining a term than just knowing its dictionary explanation—your mind is creating a mental picture of the concept each time you recall a word. That’s a unique approach if your visual brain is dominant.

When a dyslexic person tries to learn new words, images often pop up before the letters do. If the word is anything related to real-world objects or feelings, the illustrations in your head can be vivid. If it’s abstract, like “responsibility” or “opportunity,” it can get a bit fuzzy, and that’s where symbolic processing is meant to help fill the gaps.

“One of the biggest hurdles is reading speed,” one guest says, “but there’s so much creativity that comes with it.”

You might need to slow down, create your own mental images for the abstract terms, and link them to known experiences or stories. The process can be a bit more involved, but the end result can be powerful understanding.

What It Means for Everyday Life

Dyslexia doesn’t just affect reading and writing, it shapes how you learn, organise information, and engage with the world. If you lean into visual tools—like drawing out concepts, mapping ideas, or even doodling new vocabulary—you can speed up understanding.

Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Create mind maps of new concepts instead of bullet-point notes.
• Use coloured sticky notes to group ideas, similar to a visual puzzle.
• Record voice memos on your phone to piece together thoughts before writing them down.
• Explain ideas to a friend or colleague. Talking it out can cement definitions and clarity.

Adapting your environment to your own thinking style can be a game-changer, but there may still be times when tasks feel more draining than expected. While some see it as a “learning difficulty,” it can also be a creative advantage. Accepting that you might need a slightly different approach can relieve a lot of stress.

• Visual thinking can boost creativity, problem-solving, and empathy.
• Symbolic tasks—like spelling—can feel slow or limiting.
• Building definitions often relies on mental images before words.
• Practical strategies, like mind maps or brief audio recordings, can ease learning.
• A supportive environment can help you leverage your strengths.

Ready to learn more about how to tap into your strengths and find ways to navigate your challenges? Listen to the full episode above. You’ll walk away with fresh insights on creating your own blueprint for success, no matter the task or learning style.