Emergent Divergents

Episode 26: Aphantastic Mind

In today's episode, we look at the neurological condition known as 'aphantasia'- the inability to conjure mental images. For the vast majority of the human population, picturing an image in mind is just a normal thing. So normal in fact that it probably hasn't even occurred that there are those of us who are, by and large, cognitively blind. The surprising reality is that many people who are cognitively blind, or aphantasic, don't even know it themselves. We rarely question how our 'internal' experience may differ from other people. We may have asked ourselves questions like whether we see the same colours as each other or know that words might have different meanings to different people, but rarely do we consider how varied our ability to visually imagine might be. For some people, imagining something does not include an internal visual image, which means they are aphantasic, and this can have striking implications on many of their cognitive functions, such as memory and learning. Aphantasia has only recently begun to receive attention in the fields of research, even though it has been known about for over a century. But what does it mean if you are cognitively blind? Well, a lot really. It may affect a number of things, but that doesn't normally equate to being a problem, for those who are, have usually found various alternative strategies to manage. More often than not, these alternatives aren't even recognised as alternatives, but rather just the way they've always been. Take memorising directions, for example- where one person might picture the directions, someone with aphantasia might memorise the street names or rely on GPS. Aphantasia changes the way we think, learn and create and all this we explore in today's episode. Enjoy the show.

Episode 25: Amen to That! Pt3

Our final instalment of a 3-part series looking at the 7 types of ADD (ADHD) as described by Dr. Amen of Amen Clinics. Today, we examine Type 7, Anxious ADD, and follow with a recap of the 7 types and how treatment may vary for each. We also cover topics of coaching, therapy and other ways to counter the challenges of ADHD, such as exercise, diet and medication. All this is explored with a broad overview of self-development as being the most effective practice to not only address ADHD or other neurodivergences, but in being able to live a good life. If you wish to dive deeper into the 7 types of ADD, you can do so at https://www.amenclinics.com/conditions/adhd-add/ And if you would like to speak with us, contact us at questions.free2be@gmail.com

Episode 24: Amen to That! Pt2

In today's episode, part 2 of a 3-part series, we continue exploring the 7 types of ADD (ADHD) as described by Dr Amen of Amen Clinics. We had covered types 1 to 4 in our previous episode, and today we are taking a look at types 5 and 6. Type 5 is known as 'Limbic ADD' - named as such due to the neural over-activity in the deep limbic area of the brain. Type 6 is known as 'Ring of Fire ADD', named after the way this type of ADD looks on SPECT scans. What makes Dr. Amen's 7 types of ADD unique is that the individual types are categorised using the differences found in the results of the SPECT scans, unlike the DSM-V (the current diagnostic bible), which determines a diagnosis based on behaviour, but behaviour is not the best defining factor of a neurological condition. SPECT = single photon emission computed tomography. It's a relatively new(ish) tool used in the field of neurodivergence specifically, but it may turn out to become a commonly used tool in the treatment and diagnosis of ADD/ADHD- fingers crossed. We're hoping it will happen sooner rather than later. Did we give out any wrong information? Do you have anything you would like to comment on? Would you like to come on board and join us for an episode? Well, we would love to hear from you. Get in contact with us, you can do so at questions.free2be@gmail.com If you would like to dive even deeper than we do, you can go to the source at https://www.amenclinics.com/conditions/adhd-add/

Episode 23: Amen to That! Pt1

Today's episode is the first of a short series where we take a look at the Amen Clinic's 7 types of ADHD. We cover types 1 to 4, and the rest we will cover in the next episode. We take a look at the neurology of each ADHD type and how they differ on a neurological level, and some of the divergences between them are significant. Identifying with a specific type might benefit the methods we use to deal with the challenges of being ADHD, as anyone with ADHD can testify that there's a lot more going on than merely hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity. The types we look at today are: 1- Classic ADD (ADHD) 2- Inattentive ADD 3- Overfocussed ADD 4- Temporal Lobe ADD Next week, we take a look at the remaining 3 types of ADHD: 5- Limbic ADD 6- Ring of Fire ADD 7- Anxious ADD If you would like to know more, get in touch at questions.free2be@gmail.com.au or check out the source for this episode at www.amenclinics.com Enjoy the show.

Season 2: Trailer

We've brought an end to Season 1 after 22 episodes and have some news we'd like to share about the podcast– and more. Sometimes, just changing things up is also the very thing we need to keep enough motivation to keep on keeping on. There are a few changes in the pipeline and some bigger offerings coming down the track. So enjoy this short little episode and get in touch. questions.free2be@gmail.com.au