Understanding Synaesthesia
Welcome to The Cognitive Collective’s Synaesthesia resource page
Synaesthesia is a fascinating condition where the stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in another. For example, people with synaesthesia might "see" colors when they hear music or "taste" shapes when they read words. At The Cognitive Collective, we provide assessments, neurodivergence-informed therapy, and personalized coaching for individuals who experience synaesthesia and want to better understand and manage their unique sensory experiences. This page will provide you with essential information about synaesthesia, its types, and how we can support you.
What is
Synaethesia?
Synaesthesia is a neurological condition where the stimulation of one sense or cognitive pathway triggers an automatic and involuntary experience in another. This means that individuals with synaesthesia might perceive multiple senses at once in ways that are unusual for most people.
For example, a person with synaesthesia might:
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See colours when they hear music or sounds (known as chromesthesia).
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Associate specific colours with letters or numbers (known as grapheme-colour synaesthesia).
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Taste specific flavours when they hear certain words or sounds (known as lexical-gustatory synaesthesia).
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Feel tactile sensations when reading certain words or numbers (known as mirror-touch synaesthesia).
These experiences are consistent and involuntary—someone with synaesthesia will always associate the same color with the same number or sound, and the experience occurs automatically without effort.
Synaesthesia is not a disorder, but rather a unique way of experiencing the world. For most people with synaesthesia, these experiences are neutral or even enjoyable, but in some cases, they may interfere with daily life.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The signs of synaesthesia are usually experienced as sensory overlaps, and these experiences are highly individualised.
Common signs of synaesthesia include:
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Seeing colours when listening to music or sounds (e.g., certain instruments may always produce a particular color).
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Tasting or smelling flavors when reading or hearing words (e.g., the word "sunshine" might taste like lemon).
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Feeling physical sensations when seeing someone else touched (e.g., feeling the sensation of a hug when watching someone else being embraced).
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Consistently associating specific colors, shapes, or textures with numbers or letters (e.g., the number "3" always feels "round" or the letter "S" might be associated with the color blue).
These sensory experiences are automatic, vivid, and stable over time, meaning that a person with synaesthesia will consistently have the same associations for the same stimuli.
Types of synaesthesia
There are over 60 documented types of synaesthesia, each with its own unique sensory overlap. Some of the most common types include:
1. Grapheme-Color Synaesthesia:
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This is one of the most well-known forms of synaesthesia, where letters or numbers are consistently associated with specific colours. For example, the letter "A" might always appear red, or the number "5" might always appear green.
2. Chromesthesia (Sound-Color Synaesthesia):
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People with this form of synaesthesia see colors when they hear sounds, music, or even voices. For example, certain notes or chords might produce a specific color or hue.
3. Lexical-Gustatory Synaesthesia (Word-Taste Synaesthesia):
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In this type, certain words, names, or sounds are associated with specific tastes. For instance, hearing the word “apple” might make someone taste something sweet, or the word “dog” might invoke a salty flavor.
4. Mirror-Touch Synaesthesia:
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This form of synaesthesia causes individuals to feel tactile sensations when they see others being touched. For example, if someone is touched on the arm, the person with mirror-touch synaesthesia will feel the same sensation on their own arm.
5. Auditory-Tactile Synaesthesia:
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Some individuals experience physical sensations when they hear sounds, such as feeling a "tickling" sensation in their hands when they hear certain musical notes.
6. Spatial-Sequence Synaesthesia:
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People with this type of synaesthesia visualize numbers, days of the week, or months of the year in specific spatial arrangements, such as seeing months in a circular shape or numbers placed along a line.
Getting A Diagnosis
Synaesthesia is typically diagnosed through a self-reported assessment by the individual experiencing the condition, as there is no standard diagnostic test. A trained professional (such as a neurologist, psychologist, or neurodivergence-informed therapist) may carry out the following steps:
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Personal Account: The individual will describe their sensory experiences, including how often they occur and what associations they have.
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Testing: Specific tests and questionnaires may be used to assess the consistency of sensory associations. For example, the same sound or word may be presented repeatedly to confirm that the individual consistently experiences the same colour or sensation.
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Neuroimaging: In some cases, neuroimaging (e.g., functional MRI) may be used to study the brain’s sensory processing pathways and how they interact during synaesthetic experiences.
Living with Synaesthesia: Tips & Strategies
For most people with synaesthesia, these sensory overlaps are neutral or even enriching, offering a richer sensory experience. However, in some cases, synaesthesia can be distracting or overwhelming.
Here are some tips for living with synaesthesia:
1. Embrace Your Unique Sensory World:
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Many people with synaesthesia find that it enhances their creativity, memory, and perception of the world. Embrace the beauty of your experiences, whether they involve seeing colors with music or associating numbers with shapes.
2. Understand Your Triggers:
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Identify which sounds, words, or activities trigger specific synaesthetic experiences. If certain triggers become overwhelming, it may be helpful to minimize exposure or seek ways to filter these experiences in specific contexts (e.g., using noise-canceling headphones when listening to music).
3. Educate Others:
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It can be helpful to educate friends, family, and colleagues about your synaesthesia, so they can better understand your experiences and offer support when necessary.
4. Use Synaesthesia to Your Advantage:
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Many artists, musicians, and writers with synaesthesia use their unique sensory experiences to inspire their work. For example, a musician might use their perception of colors in response to music to create visual art or design.
5. Develop Coping Strategies:
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If synaesthesia becomes distracting, it may help to practice grounding exercises or mindfulness techniques. This can help you focus on the present moment and reduce any overwhelming sensory experiences.
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no treatment or cure for synaesthesia, as it is not considered a disorder. Instead, individuals may seek support to better understand and manage their experiences:
Neurodivergence-Informed Therapy:
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Therapy can help individuals explore how synaesthesia interacts with their daily life and provide support for managing overwhelming sensory experiences. Therapy can also address any related challenges, such as anxiety or sensory overload.
Creative Expression:
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Many individuals with synaesthesia find that expressing their sensory experiences through art, music, writing, or other creative outlets helps them process and make sense of their unique sensory world.
Mindfulness & Relaxation:
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If synaesthesia becomes overwhelming, mindfulness practices can help ground individuals and provide techniques for managing sensory overload.
1 hr
100 British pounds
Resources & Support
Here are some helpful resources for individuals with synaesthesia:
Synaesthesia Network – A community and research organisation for people with synaesthesia, providing resources, support, and opportunities for connection.
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Podcasts:
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The Synesthesia Podcast – Discusses experiences and research on synesthesia.
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The Sensory Spectrum Podcast – Focuses on sensory processing issues.
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Books:
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Wednesday Is Indigo Blue by Richard E. Cytowic – A classic on synesthesia.
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The Man Who Tasted Shapes by Richard E. Cytowic – Personal accounts of synesthesia.
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If you are experiencing synaesthesia and would like support in better understanding or managing your sensory experiences, we are here to help.
Contact us for an initial consultation or to learn more about our services.
Synaesthesia is a fascinating and unique sensory condition that offers individuals a different way of experiencing the world. While synaesthesia is not a disorder, it can sometimes present challenges, and at The Cognitive Collective, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with synaesthesia in understanding and navigating their experiences with confidence.