7. Distorted Spatial Awareness: Navigating the Labyrinth
We often take our spatial awareness for granted. Judging distances, gauging the depth of objects, and even just walking in a straight line are activities we perform unconsciously. But for someone with AIWS, these can turn into Herculean tasks.
The world becomes a labyrinth of misjudged distances and depth. Stepping off a curb or reaching out for a doorknob can become exercises in estimation, often leading to missed steps or clumsy interactions.
Behind this is the brain’s faltering spatial processing. The usually reliable internal GPS starts giving mixed signals, making the world seem like a maze.
The cascading effects on confidence are evident. Activities that demand precision, like driving or even just pouring a drink, can become sources of anxiety. The unpredictability of spatial distortions makes routine tasks daunting. (7)
