A Resource Guide for Parents & Educators by Dyan Robson

Home , Hyperlexia, Neurotypical, Visual schedules

A resource guide for parents & educators

“I knew that I had to write about hyperlexia. I had to write about it not only as a way to help me understand it myself, but to also hopefully connect with other parents dealing with hyperlexia and/or hypernumeracy. My hope is that I can create a great resource for parents just like me, trying to navigate the crazy, wonderful world of hyperlexia and/or hypernumeracy.“

WHAT IS HYPERLEXIA?

Hyperlexia is the Significant Three types of precocious, self- difficulty in hyperlexia taught ability to understanding have been read before the & developing proposed by age of 5. oral language. Dr. Treffert.

 Hyperlexia appears before  Difficulty answering “WH”  Type I: Bright, neurotypical age 5 questions children who read early

 Excellent at decoding  Echolalia  Type II: Children with autism who have hyperlexia as a  An intense fascination with  Rarely initiates conversations letters, numbers, logos, or “splinter skill”  Thinks in concrete, literal maps terms  Type III: Children who read Read more here >> early & have autistic like traits,  Listens selectively or appears but do not have autism to be deaf Read more here >> Read more here >>

5-10% of children with autism have been estimated to have hyperlexia

SIGNS OF HYPERLEXIA

Here are some of the signs of hyperlexia to watch out for:

 Precocious, self-taught ability to read words that appears before age 5  Significant difficulty understanding verbal language  Intense fascination with letters, numbers, maps, or patterns  Difficulty answering “WH” questions  Difficulty interacting with peers or adults  Echolalia  Awkward or unusual social skills  Rarely initiates conversations  Intense need to keep routines  Strong auditory & visual memory  Sensory sensitivities

Learn more about the signs of hyperlexia & download a free printable poster >>

HYPERLEXIA IN ACTION

Children with hyperlexia are little spelling machines! They turn ordinary things into words. They can spell large words with zero trouble. They simply love the written word! Come embrace the world of hyperlexia with us: Watch our This is Hyperlexia video >> Browse the #thisishyperlexia photo gallery on Instagram >>

STRATEGIES TO HELP AT HOME

1. Play I Spy games 2. Describe the world around you 3. Dictate your day 4. Use speech scripts 5. Practice “WH” questions (Download free printable personal questions & free printable everyday objects questions) 6. Correct speech errors by using positive language and modeling 7. Write it out! 8. Use a visual schedule (Download the free printable daily visual schedule >>) 9. Use social stories (Download free social stories >>) 10. Read books with speech and thought bubbles (Find out how these books improve comprehension >>) 11. Practice making inferences 12. Rephrase questions as fill-in-the blank statements 13. Play games that encourage turn taking

Read more about these strategies >>

HYPERLEXIA RESOURCES

RESEARCH ARTICLES, BLOG POSTS, VIDEOS, & MORE!

Browse the hyperlexia resource guide >> (updated regularly)

BOOKS ABOUT HYPERLEXIA

 The Anti-Romantic Child: A Memoir of Unexpected Joy by Priscilla Gilman

 Reading Too Soon: How to Understand and Help the Hyperlexic Child by Susan M. Miller

 When Babies Read: A Practical Guide to Helping Young Children with Hyperlexia, Asperger Syndrome, and High-Functioning Autism by Audra Jensen Learn more about these hyperlexia books >>

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS

 Hyperlexia Parents Network on Facebook

 Hyperlexia Type III (Without ASD) Facebook Group

 Hyperlexia Reddit Page

CLASSROOM STRATEGIES

1. Use audiobooks with the book alongside 2. Written instructions on how to begin and complete tasks 3. Photos and list of names to help child identify classmates, teacher, room number, and floor- plan of the school 4. Use visual schedules and a specific routine 5. Use checklists 6. Allow free access to scrap paper 7. Keep the classroom decorations minimal or seat the child away from distractions 8. Use visual cues along with verbal directions 9. Speak in simpler language with lots of repetition and rephrasing 10. Use social stories or social scripts to help with social skills 11. Use music and/or an exaggerated and animated voice when speaking 12. Rephrase “WH” questions as statements and allow the child to complete the statement 13. Label objects in the classroom 14. Do lots of classifying, matching, and categorizing activities 15. Read books with speech balloons and thought bubbles

See these and many more helpful strategies >>

EXERCISES FOR PARENTS

DEAR HYPERLEXIA ASK “WH” QUESTIONS

Write a letter addressed to Help your kids practice their hyperlexia. What would you say “WH” questions with these free to this diagnosis? questions & prompts. Read my letter here >> Download the printables here >>

#THISISHYPERLEXIA WEEKLY AUTISM PLANNER

Share your own photos &/or Plan out activities, including browse a whole gallery of photos speech goals and social skills, on Instagram showing hyperlexia with the free Weekly Autism in action. Planner. Browse #thisishyperlexia >> Get your free planner here >>