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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Synaesthesia and autism: Different developmental outcomes from overlapping mechanisms?
Tessa M van Leeuwen1, Janina Neufeld2, James Hughes3
1Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Cognitive Neuropsychology
|August 27, 2020
Summary
Synaesthesia, a sensory experience mixing senses, is frequently observed in individuals with autism. This review highlights shared sensory, perceptual, and brain connectivity traits, suggesting common underlying mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Synaesthesia involves experiencing a mixing of senses.
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit synaesthesia more frequently.
- Understanding the overlap may illuminate unique cognitive profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking synaesthesia and autism.
- To explore shared genetic, neural, perceptual, and cognitive factors.
- To investigate the contribution to exceptional talents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on synaesthesia and autism.
- Analysis of genetic, neuroimaging, and cognitive data.
- Comparison of sensory sensitivity and perceptual biases.
Main Results:
- Strongest overlap observed in sensory sensitivity and perception.
- Synaesthetes often display autism-like sensory profiles and detail-oriented perception.
- Potential shared feature is local over global brain connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypical overlap between autism and synaesthesia is well-established.
- Shared mechanisms warrant further investigation.
- Co-occurrence may enhance cognitive and memory abilities.
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