What is it like to have synesthesia?

Answer 1

Synesthesia is a condition in which one type of stimulation evokes the sensation of another; as in several senses. You don't really "get" synesthesia, you can inherit it genetically from your parents. It is often times passed on through the x chromosome, which explains why women are several times more likely to have it than men.

You are most likely born with it and it is very rare. People who have lexical synesthesia see color in letters, numbers, or sounds,(and sometimes even in all three or just two). I learned a lot about it from " A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass. This book is great, try it!

Answer 2

Synesthesia isn't a disease you contract. It's the instance in which people associate certain letters, numbers, or words with a specific color or place. For example: a synesthetic person may always see the letter "E" as red, or Wednesday in a three dimensional font. It is an involuntary and uncontrollable phenomenon that is estimated to effect about 1 in every 23 people. It is usually passed through the genes of families, and is not a contagious condition. If you want to know if you are synesthesic, there are plenty of tests around, some people aren't even aware of their rare and intriguing condition.

Answer 3

Let me start by clarifying that people do not "get" synesthesia like they can get a cold or a disease. Synesthesia is a neurological condition that one is born with. In some instances, head trauma can cause synesthesia to be 'gained' in people who previously did not have it. By and large, though, synesthesia is something one has from birth. It is a trait - not a disease- that tends to run in families.

Answer 4

It feels great to have synesthesia. It helps us remember things and when we realize it's not normal, we feel really bad. I don't literally see my colors, but when I close my eyes I can.