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Related Experiment Videos

Synaesthesia: prevalence and familiality

S Baron-Cohen1, L Burt, F Smith-Laittan

  • 1Department of Environmental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK.

Perception
|January 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Synaesthesia, a sensory blending condition, affects about 1 in 2000 people, predominantly females. Many cases show familial aggregation, suggesting a genetic component.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Human Genetics

Background:

  • Synaesthesia involves sensory blending, like sounds evoking colors.
  • Previous anecdotal evidence suggested familial links, but lacked systematic study.
  • Reliable prevalence and sex-ratio data were needed to explore genetic mechanisms.

Observation:

  • Two population studies in Cambridge estimated synaesthesia prevalence at 1 in 2000.
  • A significant female bias was observed, with a 6:1 female-to-male ratio.
  • Approximately one-third of individuals reported synaesthesia within their families.

Findings:

  • A family genetic study confirmed familial aggregation in all six investigated families.
  • These families were identified as multiplex for synaesthesia.
  • The findings support a hereditary basis for synaesthesia.

Implications:

  • The observed prevalence and sex ratio suggest potential sex-linked genetic factors.
  • Further research into inheritance patterns is warranted.
  • Understanding the genetics of synaesthesia can offer insights into brain connectivity.

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