Books Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions  by Temple Grandin PhD (Author)

"Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions" by Temple Grandin PhD explores the unique cognitive style of visual thinking. Grandin distinguishes visual thinkers from verbal thinkers and identifies two main types of visual thinkers: object visualizers who think in detailed images, and spatial visualizers who think in abstract patterns and relationships. The book reveals how visual thinkers process information differently and how their talents often go unrecognized in societies and educational systems that prioritize verbal skills.

Grandin draws on her own experiences as a visual thinker and her research to highlight the strengths of visual and spatial thinkers, such as problem-solving, design, pattern recognition, and system thinking. She stresses the importance of recognizing neurodiversity and supporting visual thinkers through tailored education and employment opportunities. The book also discusses collaboration between different types of thinkers as a source of innovation and success, arguing that diverse cognitive styles enrich teams and creativity.

"Visual Thinking" serves as both a celebration and an advocacy work for visual thinkers, calling for broader inclusion to harness the gifts of those who think in pictures, patterns, and abstractions — whose talents are often overlooked but crucial in fields like engineering, technology, and the arts.