Letters, numbers, words, and sentences surround our existence. It seems impossible to go anywhere without unconsciously reading a sign.
Although words and symbols surround our every step, some people have heightened reading, writing, and memorizing abilities.
If you have doubted that some of your family members or friends may have more capabilities than others, you may want to research the topic of hyperlexia. Although it is a rare occurrence, some people may have this condition. Here’s all about this phenomenon and how to help your children with this condition.
In this article
Derived from the Greek “hyper” (overly) and “lexia” (words), a hyperlexia definition can be an obsession with words. That usually occurs in children at an early age when most kids don’t read and write yet. People with this condition have extraordinary capabilities regarding recognizing and decoding words.
Although it may seem like a superpower, hyperlexia carries many challenges, impacting a child’s communication skills and verbal interactions. Moreover, people with hyperlexia may struggle to comprehend context and humor due to this condition.
However, these symptoms can vary depending on the hyperlexia type.
Hyperlexia is a complex condition that can fall into the three following categories.
This condition occurs at a child’s early age. The child may start reading fluently before their peers, signaling symptoms of hyperlexia. For instance, if you walk into a room full of 4-year-olds, and one of them is reading poems or a book to the others, it may be a sign of hyperlexia 1.
Hyperlexia 2 is a bit more complex than hyperlexia 1. Children with this hyperlexia type can also develop early reading skills. However, in this case, an obsession with letters, numbers, and organization accompanies it.
For instance, if a child constantly rearranges books alphabetically or in an order that makes sense to them, it may indicate hyperlexia 2. Children with this hyperlexia type can often encounter challenges like withdrawal, sensory issues, and stimming, leading to poorer social skills.
Children with hyperlexia 3 will display similar symptoms as those with hyperlexia 2. They will start being obsessed with rearranging numbers and letters, while the reading skills may come later. These children, too, develop auditory sensitivity and other difficulties impacting their lives.
However, such children are more socially adaptable and may have better communication skills. In some cases, the symptoms of hyperlexia 3 may fade after some time.
Many people link hyperlexia and autism to one another. Although one can indicate the other, it doesn’t necessarily mean they go hand in hand. An autistic person doesn’t have to have hyperlexia, and vice versa. However, around 80% of people with hyperlexia are autistic.
Hyperlexia can indicate signs of autism. For instance, if a child starts reorganizing letters and becomes obsessed with an object or subject, it may be a sign of autism. Hyperlexia, as mentioned above, can result in poorer social skills, communication, and sensory issues, as is the case with autism.
Both of these conditions are characterized by atypical neurological development, and, in some cases, the neural factors may overlap, leading to autism and hyperlexia.
Although the precise causes of hyperlexia are unknown, many scientists connect it with several factors.
For instance, if a child is exposed to letters and words from an early age, they may learn to read faster than their peers. However, exposure rather than neurological changes and development factors are the leading causes.
The leading cause of hyperlexia is situated in the brain. If a child has atypical brain development, they may develop hyperlexia. The brain structure will dictate the connectivity between letters and words, making this phenomenon more prominent in specific individuals.
Additionally, genetics play a significant role in hyperlexia. A gene may mutate at some point, leading to atypical brain development. Although there aren’t many cases worldwide, we can say that the gene mutation phenomenon affects a portion of this condition.
If you want to recognize hyperlexia in your child, you should look out for the following symptoms:
- Comprehension – children with hyperlexia may have difficulty understanding their parents or may understand instances differently. If your child does not comprehend what you are saying, it may indicate hyperlexia.
- Repetition of words – when a child with hyperlexia hears a new word, they may repeat it for a specific period or use it in a conversation. It doesn’t have to mean that the child has understood the word’s meaning but will repeat it regardless.
- Repetitive practices – due to neurological development, a child with hyperlexia may create safe routines and repeat them constantly for comfort. For instance, they may rearrange books according to their preferences and will notice if one book isn’t in its place.
- Social interactions – if your child wants to avoid eye contact or communication with others, it may signal hyperlexia. So, the next time you talk to your child, pay attention to their attentiveness, movements, and overall social skills.
- Obsession – your child may constantly seek new games involving letters and numbers or be happy to see some symbols. You can test their fascination by presenting numbers and letters and keeping track of their reactions.
Diagnosing hyperlexia may be difficult due to its rarity. However, if you have noticed some of the symptoms in your child, it is time to visit a professional. Since hyperlexia is a complex condition, you may need to consult a few specialists for the final diagnosis.
We advise you first to visit your pediatrician, who has insight into your child’s history and development. They can compare the symptoms to their health and propose the next steps. You can also get a second opinion from other doctors to see whether they would advise you to do the same.
After you visit the pediatrician, they can forward you to other specialists to run tests and determine hyperlexia. Your child may have to do reading, listening, and comprehension tests for the specialists to diagnose hyperlexia and its subcategory.
The specialists will then see if your child’s profile fits into the DSM-5 model for hyperlexia. In the end, the doctor will set a diagnosis.
However, you should keep in mind that some of the tests and evaluations may not be accurate, showing false results. If you still doubt your child’s capabilities even after testing, you should repeat the process.
Dealing with hyperlexia may be challenging, and you may face numerous obstacles. Although you cannot cure hyperlexia, you can help your child build a better future, regardless of the condition. We have prepared several tips to help you care for your child with hyperlexia.
Hyperlexia is a complex phenomenon; you cannot just read an article and expect to know everything about it. It has numerous unpredictable symptoms, and the condition depends on the child and the hyperlexia subcategory.
Although there aren’t many scientific papers on hyperlexia, you can still read the available materials for more information. You can join communities that share their hyperlexia experiences to get the most information about the condition.
Moreover, you can ask your doctor for more details and learn what you can expect on your journey. Your doctor can redirect you to someone specializing in this rare condition to help you understand it better.
You can also turn to autism groups; since hyperlexia is associated with autism, there’s a chance that you will meet someone who shares your journey.
Children with hyperlexia may have difficulties understanding and processing verbal data. For instance, if you tell them to go outside or pick up a toy, they may need a few moments to comprehend what you said.
If you use this method and always allow your child to understand verbal communication, you will develop better social skills in them. They will understand how to talk to others and not fear verbal communication with their close ones.
It is essential to be patient on this journey; children with hyperlexia may be sensitive, so you should always support them and be their biggest cheerleader. They will become more confident and learn to cope with their condition.
Social media platforms can sometimes be beneficial for developing speech. However, if your child has sensory issues, using social media or the internet for extended periods may not be best. That is especially true for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where your child may read or hear something that doesn’t make sense to them.
Moreover, reading for extended periods can enhance hyperlexia’s effect, leading to further issues. Thus, you should keep track of your child’s screen time and block potentially dangerous content.
You can use parental control apps like Wondershare FamiSafe to gain access to your child’s phone. You can then use the app to protect your child from damaging scenarios and harmful content. Despite hyperlexia, every parent should keep track of their child’s online activity and react when needed.
As your child may experience difficulties with verbal segments, creating written instructions or visual elements is best to help them understand what you are saying. This method should be adaptable, and you should consider the best options according to your child’s needs.
Children with hyperlexia can best comprehend written text and numbers. Thus, you can create visual boards with elements they are familiar with to boost communication. For instance, you can use magnets on your fridge to tell your youngster when it is time to sleep.
This method solely relies on your child and their capabilities. You can experiment and try new visuals to find the solution with which they will be comfortable. Practice with your child frequently with these two elements for the best results.
Children with hyperlexia can sometimes feel isolated or develop social anxiety. They may withdraw from communication if you don’t meet their needs and create a safe environment. So, the best way to help your child is to adapt to the environment and create a comfortable atmosphere.
For instance, you can use their favorite toys for communication or create posters to help them comprehend their environment. Moreover, you should provide them with excellent emotional support and try to boost their confidence in difficult times.
Your child will feel safe around you and free to express themselves through whichever method they find suitable.
Everyone is different; someone knows math best, while others may be masters of language acquisition. However, some children have extraordinary capabilities, such as remembering words, letters, and numbers and learning to read before the designated age. Such children may have hyperlexia, a condition that may seem rewarding but can cause future issues.
Knowing the significant elements of hyperlexia and the three subcategories of this condition is crucial to dealing with it. Now that you know the symptoms, diagnoses, and tips, you can help your child be confident in their skin. Always support and be patient with your child because it will mean the world to them.