Do you ever say, “I just need to talk this out to figure it out?” That’s verbal processing—and it’s more than just a habit. For people with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, it’s a powerful, brain-based way to think, plan, and process the world.
In this video, I break down:
- What verbal processing is
- Why it’s so common in neurodivergent brains
- How your brain uses talking as a tool for thinking
- What to do when you can’t speak out loud (hello, silent strategies!)
Whether you’re someone who processes out loud or love someone who does, this video offers insight, compassion, and practical tools to help you understand and honor this brilliant thinking style.
✨ Verbal processing isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature.
📅 Want to go deeper? Schedule a free consultation with me: https://bit.ly/3S2LUiI
Transcription:
Thinking Out Loud: Why and the Science Behind Verbal Processing – ADHD and Autism
Have you ever said, “I just need to figure this out and talk it out?” That’s verbal processing.
But it’s especially common in people with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Trust me, hang around my house anytime. More and more of my clients are bringing this up.
So let’s break it down: what it is, why it happens, and what to do if you want additional options.
Verbal processing, or external processing, means you think best by speaking your thoughts out loud. You might solve problems while talking. You might walk through the plan out loud before starting something.
This is really common in ADHD because working memory can get overloaded. It’s also common in autism, where language helps organize thoughts. And in dyslexia, because spoken word is often stronger than written language, making verbal thinking more natural and effective.
Talking is thinking, and that’s okay. That’s great.
So, what’s happening in your brain? I’m going to slaughter these words: the Broca’s area helps you form words, the Wernicke’s area helps you understand them, and the frontal lobe handles working memory. But when that memory gets overwhelmed, talking out loud unloads the pressure.
You’re not just saying stuff—you’re organizing your thoughts in real time. It’s pretty cool.
If you can’t always talk things out—let’s say in a meeting, in public, around certain people—there are options. So try this:
- Write to yourself. Journal. Text. Something like that.
- Use sticky notes or visual maps—so, seeing your thinking.
- Talk silently to yourself. Whisper it to yourself out loud, moving your lips.
- Record a voice memo and use a chatbot or AI.
- Practice your silent voice with mindfulness or PQ meditation.
These tools don’t replace your need to process—they expand your options.
Verbal processing isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature of your brilliant brain. And you’re not alone.
Embrace that beautiful thinking. It is wonderful.
So, tell me—what’s one thing that you learned from this that you’re gonna take away today? And please like, share, or leave me a comment. I appreciate it.
I’m JoyGenea, International Neurodiversity Success Coach, and I would love to explore this more with you if you would like to. Please schedule a free consultation if you want. Otherwise, have an outstanding day.
Bye now.