WHAT IS APHANTASIA?

Aphantasia is a relatively new edition in the world of neuroscience. A combination of the Latin words a ("without") and phantasia ("imagination"), aphantasia is a condition that affects the ability to visualize mental images.

Not a whole lot is known about aphantasia. In fact, scientists still don't know why it happens. What is known is that aphantasia is it is caused by the visual cortex of the brain not functioning properly. However, what causes the disfunction is still unknown. MRI scans on aphantasiacs have shown a different brain scan when trying to visualize. Like the visual cortex, these brain scans are still unknown.

SIGNS

People with aphantasia have trouble with anything involve any form of visualization. The most common sign is the lack of a mind's eye, or unable to see mental images in your head. Aphantasia is on a spectrum, from mild to severe. People with mild aphantasia are able to see some visual information, but the results can be very faded or abstract. Severe aphantasia means that the person cannot see anything in their mind. Their mind's eye is blank, no different than closing your eyes and trying to sleep.

Another sign of aphantasia is poor visual memory. Many of those with aphantasia have said that they are unable to fully recall childhood memories or the faces of loved ones. It doesn't mean that they don't know what the person looks like, or what a memory is about. Aphantasiacs cannot relive fond memories or

FAMOUS APHANTASIACS

Despite how it affects visualization, there are many famous people who have aphantasia and have made successful careers in their unique way of creating.

Ed Catmull: co-founder of Pixar and former president of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Catmull actually discovered that a good majority of Pixar's animation department also had aphantasia.

Glen Keane: former animator and artist for Disney who has worked on some of many famous animated films like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

Blake Ross: co-founder of Mozilla Firefox.

Zelda Williams: actress, director, producer and writer. The daughter of Robin Williams