Born on a Blue Day

Synesthesia describes a set of perceptual patterns that link senses that are usually considered unrelated, like visual input triggering an auditory experience. In a common form of synesthesia, certain input (like numbers or words) might appear inherently colored, textured, shaped, or otherwise defined by qualities not routinely associated with them. Tammet says that, for him, “the number 1 […] is a brilliant and bright white” and “Five is a clap of thunder or the sound of waves crashing against rocks” (2). This multisensory cognition is extremely diverse in magnitude and detail among the people who experience it, though there are identifiable types depending on what senses and reactions are triggered (for example, if a person sees numbers as colors or hears them as sounds, or both, etc.).

Individuals with synesthesia might be particularly creative or have uncommonly strong memories (multisensory input of data is always associated with improved memory). It is not considered a disorder, illness, or disability and is sometimes but not always associated with autism spectrum disorder(s).

The spectrum describes people who experience a range of developmental disabilities that manifest in social and communicational challenges or abnormalities. Individuals on this spectrum might experience the condition categorically differently from one another. For example, Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly referred to as ASD, can lead to severe inhibition of social interaction, communication, and emoting, and/or uncommon cognitive abilities in various areas of learning. The term ASD is therefore an encompassing “umbrella term” that describes conditions that had previously been diagnosed separately.

The author frequently uses the term “Asperger’s Syndrome,” used to describe people on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum. The author, in this book, self-identifies as a person with Asperger’s and occasionally discusses it in contrast to lower-functioning forms of autism.

Prime numbers are only divisible (able to be divided into whole numbers) by the numbers one and themselves. This means that no other numbers can produce them through multiplication. The author reveals his fondness for prime numbers and calls them “the building blocks of my numerical world” (9). In his synesthetic perception, prime numbers are “smooth-textured” and produce a sudden feeling of excitement (8). They stand out in his mind from their composite (non-prime) counterparts and provide interest and comfort for the author.

Epilepsy is a relatively common neurological disorder that results in seizures. Seizures vary greatly in type and magnitude. The author experienced a severe epileptic seizure as a young child, but as is the case with many people who have epilepsy, the condition was treatable with antiseizure medication and dissipated over time.

Not much is known about the causes of different types of epilepsy, though it can be genetic or brought about by brain injury. Tammet discusses the possible link between epilepsy and creativity (43). Many prominent creative minds were or may have been epileptic, such as artist Vincent Van Gogh, writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and writer Lewis Carroll.