Hyperlexia is a common disorder but is not talked about much today, which may be due to the fact that hyperlexia can be misdiagnosed. However, if properly diagnosed at an early age, hyperlexia can be treated.
The Facts
Hyperlexia is a disorder among children, usually identified around 18 months, that shares many characteristics with autism, ADHD, behavior disorders and language disorders. A child with hyperlexia will suddenly be able to read at a very young age and will be able to read intelligently. Because of this display of early talent, hyperlexia can be seen as a super-ability; however hyperlexic children are actually considered on the same level as autism when it comes to their inability to socialize properly.
Effects
Hyperlexic children are fascinated with numbers and letters, and begin decoding languages very well, allowing them to become readers at such a young age. Some hyperlexic children are able to spell long words before the age of two, and can often read by the age of three. Despite their amazing ability to read, however, they only speak by rote and heavy repetition, meaning they are unable to speak unless they are repeating what was just said. They will also display a lack of social knowledge because of their inability to understand the rules of the language.
Identification
According to the American Hyperlexia Association, children with hyperlexia may exhibit the following characteristics:
• Learn expressive language in a peculiar way, rote memorization of the sentence structure without understanding the meaning (echolalia)
• Reverse pronouns
• Rarely initiate conversations
• An intense need to keep routines, difficulty with transitions, ritualistic behavior
• Auditory, olfactory and/or tactile sensitivity
• Self-stimulatory behavior
• Specific, unusual fears
• Normal development until 18-24 months, then regression
• Strong auditory and visual memory
• Difficulty answering "Wh--" questions, such as "what," "where," "who," and "why"
• Think in concrete and literal terms, difficulty with abstract concepts
• Listen selectively, appear to be deaf
Time Frame
As stated before, hyperlexia can be treated if caught early enough. Using intensive speech and language therapy during the early intervention stages, the hyperlexic child can develop better language skills and thus develop better social skills. Using the child's already advanced reading skills should be used as a primary approach to increase the chances of building the child's language skills. Social activities should be planned as well in order to provide the child ways to interact with others. Above all, the parents, teachers, and other professionals should work as a team.
Expert Insight
Ilene, a parent of a hyperlexic child, says, "If I could tell people one thing about hyperlexia, I would remind them that these children have a tremendous gift and that reading is the way to unlock their minds and hearts. Don't try to take their books away to force them to interact with people. Encourage their reading ability, because they have so much to offer the world, just in a more unconventional way."
Tags: able read, develop better, difficulty with, hyperlexia treated, hyperlexic child, interact with