This is fascinating, Shaunta. Thanks for sharing it with us. I’m almost completely the opposite: I’m very visually based and have a somewhat photographic memory: I can remember things I’ve read based on what quadrant of the page they were written/appeared on. I, too, was able to read before I started school.

A note about transcendental meditation, which you may find helpful; no visualization needed. You simply rest (with your back straight; you meditate lying down only if you are ill) for a couple of minutes with the eyes closed, allowing the mantra to arise naturally (they’re based on the decade you were born in and are searchable on Google). If it doesn’t, you gently introduce it. Your mind will wander, which is entirely normal. When you notice your mind thinking of other things, you gently bring it back to the mantra. You keep doing this for 20 minutes (twice/day at least 4 hours apart). At the end, you release the mantra and sit quietly, with your eyes closed, for a couple of minutes. Then slowly open your eyes, bringing yourself to reality. Then you go on with your day. You never judge your meditation experience. Just let it go and move on.

Last, you may enjoy reading The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by neurologist Oliver Sacks. I don’t remember if he had a case of your situation in the collection, but it’’s fascinating reading nevertheless!