Open Collections

Chowdhury, Adiba

"Distortion Becomes Her: A Poetic Exploration of Perceptual & Sensorimotor Dysfunctions" bridges neuroscience, psychology, and creative writing to examine how disruptions in brain function shape perception, movement, and identity. This creative research project presents a collection of original poems, each designed to reflect a specific neurological disorder, including blindsight, phantom limb syndrome, visual agnosia, hemispatial neglect, prosopagnosia, ideomotor apraxia, and Parkinson’s disease. The project aims to capture the lived experiences of individuals with these conditions, using poetic structures such as villanelle, prose poetry, haiku, and free verse to mirror the cognitive and motor disturbances associated with each disorder. The work is divided into two sections: perceptual dysfunctions and sensorimotor dysfunctions. Each poem is accompanied by an analysis that contextualizes the disorder within neuropsychological research, providing insight into the neural mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and rehabilitation strategies. The analyses incorporate findings from clinical studies and neuroscientific literature to enhance the reader’s understanding of how brain dysfunction impacts daily life. Additionally, the project examines how poetic devices and structural choices—such as repetition, fragmentation, and constrained forms—echo the disordered neural processes they represent, offering a creative yet informative lens on these conditions. This chaplet emphasizes the power of language and narrative in making complex scientific concepts more accessible and emotionally resonant. By combining artistic expression with empirical evidence, "Distortion Becomes Her" fosters a deeper appreciation of the resilience of individuals navigating neurological impairment. This project highlights not only the struggles associated with perceptual and motor dysfunctions but also the potential for adaptation and recovery. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of cognitive and motor disruptions, individuals continue to fight for agency, connection, and understanding. The ability of the brain to rewire, heal, and adjust is reflected in both the scientific and poetic elements of this work, underscoring the profound adaptability of the human spirit. At its core, this collection was written to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and empathy, allowing readers to not only understand neurological conditions but also feel their impact on a deeply personal level.

Text

University of British Columbia. PSYC_V 301

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0448047

Arts, Faculty of; Psychology, Department of

Undergraduate

DSpace