Is Your Child Hearing Colors? The Interesting Connection Between Autism and Synesthesia

Even though autism and synesthesia are two distinct conditions, they can co-exist in a person, who may end up hearing colors or smelling songs. While this may sound atypical to many, a person with synesthesia will know exactly what we are talking about. The sensory phenomenon of hearing colors is an intriguing experience, blurring the lines between our visual as well as spatial perceptions.

The unique phenomenon is an opening to the space of elevated sensory perception as well as creativity. It is commonly observed with disorders like synesthesia and autism.

Do you know that while these conditions are rare in nature, almost 20% of children with autism may experience synesthesia? By understanding these new and complex connections, researchers and mental health professionals can find new and intriguing methods of treatment.

The everyday experience of hearing sounds becomes hearing colors in people with these dysfunctions. (Image via Unsplash/ Nathan Anderson)

---

Where Does Hearing Colors Come From?

Typically hearing colors and other sensory difficulties make it difficult for the child to maintain communication. (Image via Unsplash/ Robo Wunderkind)

Imagine relishing a delicious delicacy and, at the same time, hearing a pleasant tune ring in your ears. This perceptual interweaving is precisely what people with synesthesia go through.

When we talk of hearing colors, individuals with this condition start to perceive color as various forms of sound, typically linking them to particular pitches or musical notes. In their unique experience, the world turns into a symphony of sensations.

Autism and synesthesia share a closer relationship. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts communication, behavior, and social transactions. Individuals with this disorder lie on a spectrum and not everyone is going to have similar experiences. Few scientific findings indicates that people with autism are much more likely to experience synesthesia.

---

What Is Associative Synesthesia?

What is associative synesthesia? Is it the same as hearing colors? (Image via Unsplash/ Brian Mcgowan)

Associative synesthesia occurs when synesthetes links specific types of colors with particular sounds, such as the association of the color green can bring about a sound of a gentle wind blowing, whereas the color blue may evoke the sound of a flowing water body.

These are not random associations but are profoundly personal and persistent for the synesthete. Every individual can have associations with different objects at the same time.

Synesthetes usually describe their personal experience as melodic artistry. To them, everyday life is instilled with a sense of magic. They can develop unique talent forms, such as compositions of music, based on the colors they hear. However, this does have its drawbacks in social settings and communication.

Nevertheless, knowing about these conditions conveys the diversity of human perception. It's a perfect reminder that the human brain is capable of forming experiences that are beyond our wildest dreams and imagination. It's intelligence is beyond what our typical eyes can see.

---

The unique experience of hearing colors through autism and synesthesia is a testament to the immense potency of the human mind. It's a truly fascinating example of our own senses interweaving and developing a completely new world of perceptual experience.

This rare phenomenon of being able to hear colors isn't a disability but a gift that opens up a completely new dimension of human sensory experience. However, this should be seen and talked about with immense sensitivity and consideration.

---

Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.

---

What do you think of this story? Tell us in the comments section below.