Abstract
Is there a consequence to having synaesthesia, even beyond the obvious difference of experiencing merged sensations? Do synaesthetes also have qualities that make them different to non-synaesthetes in other ways? Do they show differences in everyday abilities like memory, mental calculation, general perception, creative thinking, use-of-language and so on? ‘Is synaesthesia a “gift” or a “condition”?’ describes studies that show synaesthetes are objectively more creative than the average person, and have certain personality traits linked to heightened imagination. Synaesthetes also have specific visual benefits, such as the ability to better distinguish facial features and their expressions. Synaesthesia appears to come with a number of benefits, but it can also bring challenges.
