Hyperlexia: Treatment, Diagnosis and Signs
Hyperlexia can be confusing. It’s worth learning more about this rare learning disorder if your child reads well for their age.
It can sometimes be hard to distinguish a gifted child from one with hyperlexia or who is on the spectrum. While a gifted child may need to be nurtured more, a child on the spectrum might need special attention to communicate better.
Hyperlexia is not an indication of autism. Hyperlexia can be experienced without autism. Each child’s wiring is different, so pay attention to your child’s communication style to ensure they get the support they need.
Definition
Hyperlexia refers to a child who can read at levels far beyond what is expected for their age. Hyper means “better than”, while Lexia means “reading or language”. Hyperlexia can cause a child to be able to decode words or sound them out quickly, but they may not be able to understand most of what they are reading.
Hyperlexia is not like a child who can read fluently, but a child with it will be unable to communicate or speak at a level below their age. Hyperlexia can manifest in multiple languages, but some children have lower communication skills.
Hyperlexia Signs
The four most common characteristics of hyperlexic children are: These are the main characteristics that hyperlexic children will have.
- A sign of a developmental disorder. Hyperlexic children may not be able to read or speak like their peers. They may also have behavioural issues.
- Less than normal comprehension. Hyperlexic children have exceptional reading skills but lower learning and understanding skills than the average child. Other tasks, such as putting together puzzles or figuring out toys and other games, might be a little more difficult.
- The ability to learn quickly. Sometimes they even learn how to read. This might be done by repeating the words he hears or sees repeatedly.
- Affinity to books. Hyperlexic children will prefer books over other toys and games. Some children might spell out words loudly or with their fingers. Some children also enjoy numbers and being fascinated by letters and words.
Autism and Hyperlexia
Autism is strongly connected to hyperlexia. A clinical review found that nearly 84 per cent of hyperlexic children are on the autism spectrum. However, it is estimated that only 6 to 14% of children with autism have hyperlexia.
Hyperlexia is a condition in which children can read well before age 5. This happens when the child is between 2 and 4 years old. Some children with hyperlexia begin reading as early as 18 months old.
Hyperlexia versus dyslexia
Hyperlexia, which can be the opposite of dyslexia, is a learning disorder that causes difficulty with spelling and reading.
Dyslexic children, however, can understand what they read and can communicate well. Adults and children with dyslexia can often understand and reason well. They might also be very creative and fast-thinking.
Diagnosis
Hyperlexia is not a condition that can be treated alone. Hyperlexic children may also be affected by learning and behavioural issues. Because it isn’t a common condition, it cannot be easy to diagnose.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) isn’t clear on hyperlexia. This manual is for doctors in the United States. Hyperlexia is listed in the DSM-5 as an autism-related condition.
Treatment
Hyperlexia and other learning disorders can be treated by tailoring a treatment plan to suit your child’s learning style and needs. No one plan will work for everyone. For a short time, some children may require help learning. Others may need help in their adult years.
Your child’s treatment plan will depend on you. You are their best friend and can help them express what they feel. Parents often recognise their child’s needs and help them develop new social, mental, and emotional skills.