Introduction:
Hyperlexia is a condition that was recently named in the year 1967. The child has shown interest in letters and numbers since infancy. This is considered to be beyond their chronological age. This condition was thought to be related to autism, but not always. It has been found that these children can read early, but they face difficulty understanding.
What Is Hyperlexia?
Hyperlexia is a condition seen among children who read very well when compared to those of their age. Hyper means better than, and Lexia means reading or language. Children with this condition can read or decode the words very well but cannot understand or comprehend what they are reading.
These children are different from those who have been gifted with reading. Communication among children with hyperlexia is less when compared to children with gifted readers. Some children have hyperlexia in multiple languages but exhibit low communication skills. Children's interest in letters and numbers is present from infancy.
Children affected by hyperlexia show their reading skills at two to four years old. Some of them may show this characteristic at the age of 18 months.
Hyperlexia is not always associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but sometimes it is found to be associated with ASD. 84 percent of children affected by hyperlexia are found to be associated with ASD. It is also found that only six to 14 percent of children with autism exhibit hyperlexia. Hyperlexia may also be associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
What Are the Types of Hyperlexia?
Three types of hyperlexia are mainly present.
These include,
Hyperlexia I: In this type of hyperlexia, children develop without disabilities and learn to read early. This type is considered to be temporary.
Hyperlexia II: In this type, children, along with hyperlexia, also have autism. These children have an interest in numbers and letters. These children tend to prefer books and magnetic letters over toys. They can remember license plates and birth dates. These children exhibit signs of autism, like avoiding eye contact and affection, and are sensitive to sensory stimuli.
Hyperlexia III: This type is similar to hyperlexia II, but in this type, the symptoms tend to decrease over some time and finally disappear. Children affected by this type can understand what they read, but their verbal language development may be low. They exhibit an excellent memory. These children may be affectionate and outgoing and can make eye contact compared to children with hyperlexia II.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hyperlexia?
The signs and symptoms of hyperlexia include,
Improved Ability to Read: The child may exhibit reading skills faster than their age group. Other symptoms are like repeating the words heard, and they may start reading independently.
Developmental Issues: Children affected by hyperlexia may show many developmental disorders. These include communication difficulties and behavioral issues.
Lower Comprehension: Children with hyperlexia may struggle to understand what they read well. They face challenges in solving puzzles and games. They face difficulties in writing, too.
Affection for Books: Children with hyperlexia generally like reading and books. This makes them better at spelling the words and leads them to have a fascination for words, letters, and numbers. These children tend to enjoy reading books rather than playing with toys. This sign is also one of the evident symptoms of hyperlexia.
How to Diagnose Hyperlexia?
Hyperlexia does not occur alone. Behavioral and learning problems always accompany it. Hence, it is difficult to diagnose. This condition is not mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for doctors in the U.S. (United States). DSM-5 classified hyperlexia as a part of autism.
There are no specific tests available for diagnosing hyperlexia. It is mainly diagnosed based on the symptoms and changes shown by children and observed for some time. As soon as the symptoms are recognized, they should be brought to a pediatrician's attention. Pediatricians may require the help of other medical experts to identify the condition. Other experts may include child psychologists, behavioral therapists, or speech therapists.
The child may be tested to determine their understanding of the language. The tests are simple ones like playing with blocks and puzzles. The doctors check the child’s hearing, vision, and other reflexes. Other experts include occupational therapists, special education teachers, and social workers.
Hyperlexia can be diagnosed based on the types of hyperlexia.
Type I: This type is not considered a disease and does not need treatment.
Type II: This type can be diagnosed based on the following symptoms. These include,
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The ability of a child to read better than those of their age.
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Showing obsession with letters and numbers.
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Learning is done by repeating the information.
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Exhibit other behavioral problems.
Type III: This type is difficult to diagnose as it exhibits reading proficiency with autistic traits. These include,
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The ability to memorize is remarkable.
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Exhibit sensory sensitivity.
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They resist the change.
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They exhibit phobias and fears.
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Show lining or stacking behaviors.
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Tendency to reverse the pronouns. They refer to themselves as others.
Children are affectionate, outgoing, and interactive with immediate family members. These autistic behaviors decrease with time, and children behave like other children their age.
How to Treat Hyperlexia?
The treatment for hyperlexia depends on the child’s needs and learning style. Treatment plans vary; some may need help with learning for only a few years, while others may need the treatment plan until their adult years or indefinitely.
Based on the types of hyperlexia, the treatment plan also varies.
Type I hyperlexia does not need any type of treatment. Type II and III hyperlexia can be treated with many types of treatments.
Speech and Language Therapy: This therapy helps improve speech and social skills. Their advanced reading ability is used to improve social interaction and understanding. The treatment plan focuses on
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Social skills of the child.
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Language skills need to be improved.
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In understanding the spoken language.
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Their ability to write and speak.
Some of the strategies used include,
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Use of visual methods to make them understand.
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Visual schedules and timelines are framed.
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Association games are used to make them know the word relations.
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Social stories are used.
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Make them learn cause and effect predictions.
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Strategies for parents and teachers.
Occupational Therapy: The occupational therapist focuses on any of the following issues. These include,
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Sleeping problems.
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Feeding problem.
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Regarding practicing self-care.
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Regarding participating in school activities.
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Writing skills.
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The way these children respond to sensory stimulation appropriately.
Children with hyperlexia II may benefit from special education compared to those with hyperlexia III. Regular classrooms may be stimulating for type II hyperlexia children, who can learn better in a one-on-one environment.
Children with hyperlexia III may prefer or learn better in a regular classroom and can interact better with their peers. All children with hyperlexia can better learn through the written language. This method helps relieve stress while they learn.
Conclusion:
Hyperlexia is a condition seen in children who can read very well in advance. But this condition should not be confused with children gifted with this caliber. Hence, it becomes important to recognize this condition at the earliest and bring it to the attention of healthcare professionals. They help parents determine whether it is hyperlexia or not. This step helps parents and the child overcome this situation. So, knowing about the condition, its types, symptoms, and management is important.
