Diane N Gallo

Everything you describe is true for me.  I have also noticed that any visual testing (cognitive tests) I am unable to complete without spending an inordinate amount of time looking back and forth which has disqualified me for a few roles that I was interested in. I don't dream, I can't see people in my mind and when I close my eyes it is totally dark. I can't follow visual directions, get lost a lot, can't remember sequences, and have difficulty recognizing people who I have only met briefly.  I could never memorize at school, don't play games well, and can't remember places I have been.  I never dreamed others had this issue. This has been eye-opening (no pun intended) for me.  I see it as a disability and am discouraged it isn't recognized as such. 

I find it interesting that there are no research sites in the US. 

Steven,  Thanks for your well-thought-out posting.  I have had a few a-ha's since I figured out I have aphantasia.  There are a few areas in business I wanted to point out: I have taken a few cognitive tests for employment that include visualizing the next figures or drawings in a sequence.  Luckily for me, there are other portions where I can use vocabulary or reading comprehension problem-solving skills. They are timed tests and I believe that I lost time because I had to relook at the original drawings over and over to compare possible answers.  I feel that can be attributed to the fact that I don't remember the originals visually.  I also meet many people and I cannot remember their faces at a second or third meeting, which sometimes is very embarrassing.  Of course, I could tell you where they live, where they work, and what their dog's name is, but I am often caught off guard when someone remembers me and says hello when I can't conjure up any visual memory. I always knew I was different because as a kid I read cartoons but often didn't look at the pictures since they seemed superfluous. I attributed it to being a nerd.  I also have less inclination to laugh at a visual joke but one that I read can have me in stitches.  Sadly, I can't visualize the faces of those who have died:  parents, friends, dogs, or colleagues. I have to rely on photos that have no motion and don't capture the essence of the people.  I don't have visual memories of people which really detracts from the ability to hold them in your heart post-death and for that I feel cheated.  I am one of the people who see nothing, only black/gray depending on how much light is on my closed eyes.  I am anxious to learn more about this.  On the plus side, I read all the time, consider myself creative (although it may manifest as critical thinking and problem solving), and have an unusual ability to determine patterns in situations and recognize big picture impacts whereas others may get stuck on the visual memories or constructs of the problem. My two cents.