What is the relationship between Aphantasia, Synaesthesia and Autism?
Abstract
In this research, the relationship between aphantasia, synaesthesia, and autism was studied. Aphantasia is a condition where individuals have no or limited visual imagery abilities. In two experiments, the researchers investigated the connection between aphantasia and synaesthesia, which is linked to strong visual imagery, and autism, which is linked to weak imagery. In the first experiment, the researchers found that synaesthesia can be diagnosed in individuals with aphantasia, but that their aphantasia influences the type of synaesthesia they experience. In the second experiment, the researchers found that individuals with aphantasia reported higher levels of autistic traits, including weak imagination and social skills. The results suggest that there may be a connection between aphantasia, synaesthesia, and autism and highlight the importance of further research into these conditions.
Authors
- Carla Dance10
- M. Jaquiery1
- D.M. Eagleman1
- D. Porteous1
- Adam Zeman20
- Julia Simner8