Some children say things that make adults pause—such as the number four being orange, or Tuesday feeling green. It sounds like a product of imagination, but often it isn’t. Behind it lies a perceptual phenomenon with its own name: synesthesia. And it occurs significantly more frequently within the autism spectrum than in the general population.
What happens in synesthesia?
Two senses become linked. When someone sees a letter, they simultaneously perceive a color, even though only black ink is visible on the paper. For others, sounds trigger colors; others associate specific days of the week with particular locations in space. These associations are stable and remain consistent over the years—they are not reinvented each time. For those who experience it, this is completely normal; many only realize later that other people can experience the world differently.
How clear is the link to autism?
A study from Cambridge investigated this systematically for the first time. Researchers surveyed 164 adults with autism and 97 individuals in a control group. Among the participants with autism, 18.9 percent exhibited synesthesia, compared to 7.22 percent in the control group. This means it occurs nearly three times as frequently within the autism spectrum. The researchers suspect a shared underlying mechanism: an exceptionally dense interconnection of nerve cells within a small area. Another finding in this context is also interesting: absolute pitch occurs frequently in both conditions, suggesting a connection on multiple levels.
What does this mean for everyday life?
First of all, it means such statements should be taken seriously. A child who insists that the number seven is yellow is rarely making it up. In any case, synesthesia does not require treatment; it is considered a characteristic of perception. Many people even use it as a memory aid, as names, numbers, or vocabulary words are easier to remember when associated with colors. One should pay attention if a child seems overwhelmed by certain sounds, as the sensory input can quickly become too much when multiple senses are engaged simultaneously. Otherwise, curiosity is the best approach. Feel free to ask what color “Monday” is. For a child who often has to explain why they perceive things differently, genuine interest is a rare experience.
Want to know more about JuCare?
Understanding how a child perceives the world helps you better understand what they need in their daily life. You can find details about our approach on our Autism Therapy page, and request therapy directly here.
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