Topographic cretinism - the inability to navigate the terrain - is still a mystery that has yet to be studied. Doctors stubbornly refuse to recognize it as a disease and advise to treat it with a bit of humor. Neurophysiologists are of the opinion that this is nothing more than a malfunction of a certain part of the brain.
Specialists have formed a definition from which it follows that topographic cretinism is an absolute inability to navigate the terrain, sometimes accompanied by a fear of getting lost. Most often, women suffer from it, as well as a small percentage of men.
Thanks to research, it was possible to find out that this feature was inherent in people at all times. Vivid examples of this are Columbus, who accidentally discovered America, and Kutuzov and Napoleon, who incorrectly compiled their maps of the battle area.
In the modern world, people suffering from such a feature as topographic cretinism have a hard time. Huge metropolises with branching streets, complex road junctions and architecturally identical houses make it difficult for them tolife. Unfortunately, there are no courses or trainings that can give these people the knowledge and practical skills of orienteering.
Scientific experiments have shown that people discover this feature in themselves in their youth. Prior to this, their inability to navigate the terrain is attributed to childhood. Why are people born with such unusual spatial perception as topographic cretinism, the symptoms of which are milder in some and more severe in others? In other words, it is difficult for some to navigate only in unfamiliar places, while others remember the route from home to work for months.
Topographic cretinism is based on several reasons.
Gender reason, i.e. gender identity. It is believed that the difference in the spatial perception of men and women was laid down by ancient people. The male hunters traveled far from home and developed the habit of memorizing the area. Women, the keepers of the hearth, spent time at home and went far from him only accompanied by a man.
The reason is genetic. This means that if a mother has topographic cretinism, then most likely at least one of her children will inherit it.
Stress experienced in childhood. Psychotherapists believe that children who get lost or lost on the street remember the sad event forever.
Sometimes the reason is a simple lack of desire to reach the goal on your own. When testing with couples, many women immediately passed the initiative to the man, following him, even if hewrong.
Neuroscientists say that poorly developed spatial perception can be de alt with. But this requires patience and the development of some skills.
The ability to draw, especially three-dimensional objects. The ability to visually capture all objects in front of the eyes. Walking down the street, try to memorize as many items as you can along the way. Try not to use modern GPS tools, but find your way on your own. Study the map of the area, redraw a small segment from memory, and then go through it.
Good results are brought by classes with children in drawing and reading maps of the area. These children, as adults, do not experience problems with orientation, and topographic cretinism does not threaten them.
