I regularly hear from people who are exploring their own sensory experiences and wondering whether they may have synesthesia, or how to understand what they are perceiving.
While I’m not able to offer individual consultations or help identify specific types of synesthesia, I’ve gathered a set of resources here that may serve as a helpful starting point. These include research, books, communities, and spaces where people can ask questions and share experiences.
This page will continue to evolve as new research and community resources emerge.
Understanding Synesthesia
These are reliable, foundational introductions:
- American Synesthesia Association
A long-standing organization supporting research and public understanding of synesthesia - UK Synaesthesia Association
Excellent overview materials and access to current research - Synesthesia overview on Wikipedia
A surprisingly thorough and well-referenced entry for general orientation
Books
Well-regarded, research-informed, and accessible:
- Wednesday Is Indigo Blue, Richard E. Cytowic & David M. Eagleman
- The Man Who Tasted Shapes, Richard E. Cytowic
- Oxford Companion to Synesthesia, Julia Simner & Edward Hubbard
- Synesthetes, Sean A. Day
Research & Academic Resources
- The Synesthesia Tree: an encyclopedic website of types of synesthesia
- Google Scholar (search: synesthesia, synaesthesia, cross-modal processing)
For peer-reviewed research papers - University-based research labs (e.g., Sussex, Oxford, Tilburg) studying synesthesia and perception
- The Synesthesia List: Sean A. Day’s synesthesia website
Community & Discussion
If you’re looking to connect with others or ask questions:
- Reddit: r/synesthesia
An active and often thoughtful space where people share experiences and ask questions about synesthesia - Synesthesia Cafés (hosted by Sean A. Day)
Informal virtual gatherings for discussion and shared experience
Mirror-Touch & Less Common Forms
For those exploring mirror-touch, mirror-pain, or less commonly discussed forms:
- Mirror Touch, book by Joel Salinas, MD
- Academic papers on empathy, embodiment, and cross-sensory perception by Jamie Ward, Simon Barron Cohen, CC Hart
- Facebook Mirror-Touch page
Neurodivergence & Sensory Processing
Broader context for sensory difference:
- Research via Google Scholar on sensory processing differences and neurodivergence
- Narrative medicine and patient-centered approaches to perception
- Writing and first-person accounts from neurodivergent individuals
When to Seek Professional Support
Some sensory experiences can feel intense, confusing, or distressing.
If you are experiencing:
- perceptual changes that feel overwhelming
- voices or sensations that are disruptive or frightening
- difficulty distinguishing internal and external sensory experiences
it may be helpful to speak with a licensed mental health professional or medical provider.
This page is not a diagnostic resource, but a starting point for learning and connection.
A Note on Inquiry
Due to the volume of messages I receive, I’m not able to respond to individual questions about identifying or interpreting personal sensory experiences, including whether someone may have synesthesia.
If you’re exploring your own perception, I encourage you to begin with the resources above, many of which offer opportunities for both learning and community.