By: Maria Williams

Individuals exhibit unique strengths in various cognitive domains, and among these profiles stands out the highly visual thinker. Those with a visual brain process information through images, often with a speed that surpasses verbal processing. This inherent trait can lead to remarkable abilities in spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and creative visualization. Unfortunately, when this visual dominance comes at the expense of verbal processing, it can bring challenges in environments prioritizing verbal skills. 

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Cheri L. Florance

Dr. Cheri L. Florance, a distinguished brain scientist with over 45 years of experience researching and treating communication and language disorders, developed innovative treatments that help individuals utilize their visual strengths while mitigating verbal weaknesses. She coined “Maverick Mind” to describe highly visual thinkers whose exceptional visual processing capabilities can overshadow their verbal functions. 

Mavericks might excel in visual tasks but struggle with verbal communication and processing. This disparity often leads to misdiagnoses, with individuals being incorrectly labeled with conditions such as autism, ADHD, or oppositional defiant disorder. When not correctly identified, those with a Maverick Mind face challenges in several areas of their lives.

For instance, Mavericks navigating the corporate world can face many obstacles. Their rapid visual thinking allows them to foresee solutions and outcomes well ahead of their peers. However, misunderstandings and inefficiencies usually arise because they tend to find verbal communication difficult. “Picture a visually gifted executive who excels at strategic planning but struggles during verbal negotiations or presentations,” Dr. Florance supplies. “Other people, perhaps even the executive themselves, might not know their cognitive style. They might be unfairly judged as having attention deficits or communication issues.”

It’s not only the corporate world that’s heavily biased toward verbal skills. The education sector also often fails to accommodate visual thinkers. Standardized tests and traditional teaching methods focus on verbal abilities, leaving visual learners at a disadvantage. The lack of visual-based assessments and teaching strategies means their true potential remains untapped, leading to a cycle of frustration. Maverick students can experience anxiety, depression, and withdrawal if misdiagnosed with learning disabilities or behavioral issues.

Mavericks can also find it difficult to maintain personal relationships, especially because the communication gap between verbal and visual thinkers can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. The latter might express affection through actions and visual symbols rather than words. A verbally oriented partner can misunderstand this. This disconnect can cause tension and dissatisfaction, with each party feeling misunderstood and undervalued.

Dr. Florance made it her mission to nurture the strengths of visual thinkers while providing them with the tools to manage their verbal processing challenges. Her journey into this specialized field was personal. Her son, Whitney, was diagnosed with autism and struggled with verbal communication. She researched and designed interventions to help her beloved son turn his challenges into strengths.

Holding a dual doctorate in speech and hearing science and psychology from Ohio State University, Dr. Florance assumed the role of clinical research fellow at the National Institutes of Health to hone her expertise. She later founded Brain Engineering Labs to sharpen the skills of Maverick children and adults showing symptoms similar to autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), pervasive development disorder (PDD), and other brain-based disorders.

The neuroscience consultant leveraged her extensive background and experience in brain science to design Brain Engineering Labs’ engaging, family-friendly, and effective programs. The children’s program, for instance, is a failure-free, fun, and individualized experience. Dr. Florance developed a customized platform for each child, focusing on attention and memory before moving on to language-processing skills such as listening, reading, speaking, and writing. This approach has improved academic performance and has boosted confidence and social interactions. The program starts at home and gradually extends to school and social settings.

Brain Engineering Labs also responds to the needs of adult visual thinkers, such as doctors, engineers, and CEOs. These individuals often excel in practical tasks but may struggle with verbal attention, memory, and language processing. The adult program helps them enhance these verbal skills, which are essential for passing exams, participating in meetings, and improving overall productivity. College students and professionals benefit from this targeted training, which is customized and frequently updated to meet their changing needs.

It’s worth mentioning that these programs are based on international ideal practice standards in brain science, education, healthcare, and business. They support policies from the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Office of Education, and the International Classification of Diseases. 

With its initiatives, Brain Engineering Labs has changed the lives of thousands of individuals with strong visual brains. It has helped children and adults discover their potential. Clients who once faced obstacles graduated from prestigious institutions, excelled in creative and technical fields, and achieved professional success. 

A medical resident shares her experience with Brain Engineering Labs after struggling to pass her USMLE Step 1 board exams despite studying rigorously for it. “I had studied 10 to 12 hours a day for 30 days and took the test,” she recalls. “When I learned I didn’t pass, I was devastated. Meeting Dr. Florance changed my life. She explained what a Maverick was—someone with a high visual brain but underperforming verbal skills. For the first time, I felt understood.”

Dr. Florance’s program for Mavericks was a game-changer. “I went to study as usual, but this time, I read through a chapter in just 15 minutes, which previously took me four hours. I was understanding and absorbing the material better. I could even explain it to myself later,” the medical resident adds. The doctor successfully progressed in her medical career thanks to the innovative program.

Brain Engineering Labs empowers individuals to overcome verbal processing challenges, unlock their full potential, and thrive in all aspects of life through its programs. It provides a unique approach to helping highly visual thinkers balance their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Brain Engineering Labs and Dr. Cheri L. Florance’s programs are specialized and may not be suitable for everyone. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or specialist before beginning any new treatment or cognitive training program. Results may vary, and this article does not guarantee specific outcomes.

Published by: Nelly Chavez