Perceptual Styles: mono-processing, peripheral perception...

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When you are reading an article, book, blog, etc., do you:

- tend to process only the details of the text while not entirely focused on the big picture?

- tend to process only the big picture while not entirely focused on the details?

In my experience, I can process only the details or the big picture. For instance, while studying a text for school, I will read the text, write down the facts/details, and then when I'm finished doing that I will put all the details together to form a whole. If I focus on the whole rather than the details, I will be able to recall what the text was about, but I will not be able to recall precise details unless I take note of them while reading OR unless someone says a word that triggers the recall of details in the text. This is related to something called mono-processing, which is common among autistic individuals.

Another perceptual phenomenon that I would like to note here is something called peripheral perception. For example, when someone is giving me direct orders face-to-face, I will automatically switch to peripheral vision. If I do not switch to peripheral vision and look them straight in the eyes, I will be distracted because I will be focusing on their facial expressions, eye movements, etc, therefore it will be difficult for me to process everything they are explaining to me. When they are explaining something to me and I'm in peripheral vision, I will take note of what they are saying by repeating their orders out loud and briefly rehearsing them in my mind when they are done talking to me. This is a sort of hyper-focus phenomenon of mine. This may also account for the fact that many autistic individuals are first thought to have ADD/ADHD.

When I am overloaded with sensory information, I will automatically 'shut down' and retreat into my own inner world.

Last edited by Abstract_Logic on 28 Jan 2009, 3:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Sounds like me, that does!

Yes. Especially when reading for enjoyment or specific research which are both deeply-involved activities. Or if I am in an environment where text is everywhere, like a classroom or a grocery store.


Sometimes. Especially when I am browsing articles or looking for general information. I was taught from a young age that with reading certain things, I should "skim" through passages to identify and gather the essential information and then try to extract the "gist" of what I read.

I also find myself doing what you describe with "peripheral perception".
When someone is speaking to me, it is very difficult to give them my full and direct attention.
I get lost or distracted or focused on something about them other than the meaning of their words.
I almost have to look away and hear them indirectly, or peripherally. I absorb and understand a lot more of what was said in a conversation if I approach it this way.

Very interesting topic.

Sounds pretty much like me...

Just wondering, How in the world can you think in both details AND have the big picture at the same time!?