Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a neurological trait or condition that results in a merging of senses that aren’t normally connected. They often “see” music as colours and “taste” textures like “round” or “pointy” when they eat foods.

What is Synesthesia?

Synesthesia is a neurological trait or condition that results in a merging of senses that aren’t normally connected. People who have synesthesia are referred to as synesthetes. They often “see” music as colours and “taste” textures like “round” or “pointy” when they eat foods.

When those with synesthesia are feeling emotional they may see colours playing in their field of vision. Or, when reading they may hear the voices of the characters in their head.

What causes Synesthesia?

People with synesthesia are usually born with it or it’ll develop in early childhood. Research suggests that synesthesia is often hereditary.

Synesthesia is caused by a merging of senses. For example, both the primary visual cortex and parietal lobe may be stimulated when looking at a colour. As a result, the person may be able to ‘taste’ the colour they’re looking at as the parietal lobe is also stimulated, which tells an individual what something tastes like.

In extremely rare cases, some individuals might develop synesthesia later in life, but this isn’t common.

What are the signs of Synesthesia?

There are many different types of synesthesia, all with different symptoms. However, people with any type of synesthesia often have these symptoms in common:
 

Some examples of common signs include:

  • Perceptions crossover between senses (tasting colours, hearing shapes and seeing music etc.)
  • Predictable sensory triggers (every time they see red they think of a letter, for example)
  • They can describe their sensory experiences to other people

Common Synesthesia strengths

Examples of good jobs for people with Synesthesia

  • Artist
  • Actress/ Actor
  • Musician/ composer
  • Creative work/ strategy
  • Design
  • Novelist
  • Singer / Songwriter

How is Synesthesia treated?

There’s no treatment for synesthesia and many people enjoy experiencing the world differently. It can often inspire creativity and a refreshingly different perception.

However, some may feel isolated from others or may experience unpleasant smells associated with certain colours. In these cases, individuals may benefit from speaking to a mental health professional to understand their synesthesia and why being different isn’t a bad thing.

Repositioning synesthesia as a gift in their mind and appreciating the benefits of seeing the world differently can be a great ‘treatment’ for those who struggle with neurodiversity.