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Hyperlexia is when a child starts reading early and surprisingly beyond their expected ability, sometimes when they are 18 or 24 months, and occasionally it is not a stand-alone diagnosis. In this post, find out what hyperlexia is, what are the symptoms, what are the different types, how it is diagnosed and if you share some of the traits.
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There are three different types of hyperlexia:
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Experts disagree about how common hyperlexia is, but it is believed that around 6% to 14% of autistic kids are considered hyperlexic. In addition, the causes of hyperlexia remain unknown, yet it might be related to a different neurological brain organisation from the neurotypical one.
Whether hyperlexia is considered a disability depends on the impact it has on an individual’s functioning. For some individuals, hyperlexia can present challenges in areas such as, language comprehension, social interactions, and expressive communication. It also may co-occur with conditions like autism or specific language impairment, which can further affect an individual’s overall development and functioning.
The classification as to whether hyperlexia is considered a disability is contingent on the extent to which it impairs an individual’s ability to participate fully in various aspects of life, including education, social interactions, and daily activities. It may require appropriate support to address specific challenges associated with hyperlexia and the individual’s overall development and wellbeing.
It is important to consider the individual’s unique strengths, challenges and needs when determining the impact of hyperlexia as a disability.
Depending on the type of hyperlexia, the diagnosis may vary. Hyperlexia 1 does not need to be diagnosed as it is not a disorder, but more a kind of child superpower.
On the other hand, a diagnosis is needed for hyperlexia 2 and 3, but there is no specific test. As happens with other neurodivergent conditions or traits, the diagnosis is based on the symptoms children show and develop.
A first step can be doing our online hyperlexia test, but remember this is not an official diagnosis but an indicator.
Hyperlexia in toddlers is characterised by advanced reading abilities beyond what is expected for their age, accompanied by challenges in language and social communication skills. Here are some common symptoms of hyperlexia in toddlers:
Nat Hawley, our Head of Community, has hosted a webinar about hyperlexia. The webinar explains the signs of hyperlexia. It is not intended to diagnose hyperlexia – only a qualified medical professional can make a diagnosis.
Natalia Herrero López