About 40% of people with synesthesia have at least one family member with it, though it may be a different type. Her lab is studying whether synesthesia is also associated with higher rates of anxiety disorder in children and OCD in adults. Dr. Simner says she is frequently contacted by parents and teachers inquiring about synesthesia and how to test for it. She co-wrote a book on synesthesia and is co-founder of the not-for-profit American Synesthesia Association. Her synesthesia includes seeing colored letters and numbers, as well as colored touch, sound and smell.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 16, 2017 12:00 UTC