The strange but true story of what happened in my house after my cat’s death is one of many that point to a deep bond between animals and humans.

One might argue that other mammals are more aware of feelings than human beings are, because they are aware but less burdened by complexities.

Poltergeists, spiritual and psychical experiences—are these phenomena related to autism?

How would you react if your young child gave you a sudden and startlingly lucid, well-composed lecture on the nature of truth?

My own investigation—published in peer reviewed journals within the last several years—furnishes evidence that highly sensitive individuals are much more likely than the general population to report feeling an unseen presence, to see or sense energy around people, or to otherwise note anomalous goings-on.

Scores of individuals who have anomalous perceptions, such as seeing ghosts, have also reported having environmental sensitivities. Could there be a connection?

People known as “acquired savants” have spectacular abilities that emerge suddenly, usually after a brain injury. In these cases—as well as in the case of child prodigies—the individual “knows things they never learned” (the memorable phrase of savant syndrome expert Dr. Darold Treffert).

Among child prodigies, there is an over-representation of complicated pregnancies and premature births. Many child prodigies show an increased emotional sensitivity.