How common is synesthesia?

Research suggests that about one in 2,000 people are synesthetes, and some experts suspect that as many as one in 300 people have some variation of the condition.

Are Synesthetes Neurotypical?

Synaesthesia is special: it is not on a continuum with neurotypical cognition.

What are symptoms of synesthesia?

Symptoms of synesthesia

• involuntary perceptions that cross over between senses (tasting shapes, hearing colors, etc.)
• sensory triggers that consistently and predictably cause interplay between senses (e.g., every time you see the letter A, you see it in red)
• ability to describe their unusual perceptions to other people.

What is the prevalence of synaesthesia in the US?

Synaesthesia occurs in 4\% of the population [1]. Autism spectrum conditions (henceforth, autism) occur in 1\% of the population [2]. If these conditions are independent, then synaesthesia and autism should co-occur in only 4 in 10,000 people.

Is there a link between synaesthesia and autism?

Interestingly, a recent study has revealed a significant phenotypic and genetic overlap between synaesthesia and absolute pitch [38], a trait that has also been reported to occur at increased frequency in people with autism [39, 40]. This strengthens the case that autism and synaesthesia are linked at multiple levels.

Is tog-R suitable for synaesthetes with autism?

ToG-R proved unsuitable for synaesthetes with autism. The significant increase in synaesthesia prevalence in autism suggests that the two conditions may share some common underlying mechanisms. Future research is needed to develop more feasible validation methods of synaesthesia in autism.

What is autistic spectrum conditions?

Autism (shorthand for Autism Spectrum Conditions) is a neurodevelopmental condition involving social-communication disability alongside resistance to change and unusually narrow interests or activities. Whilst on the surface they appear distinct, they have been suggested to share common atypical neural connectivity.