Understanding Hyperlexia in Autism

Some children have a fascination with numbers and letters from a young age. Some are even able to read on their own very early, sometimes before they turn 5, and without any formal instruction.

While this can be an exciting development for parents of such children, it can also be confusing. That’s especially true if the child also has trouble with reading comprehension as well as social communication.

This particular combination is what’s called hyperlexia. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-5) does not recognize hyperlexia as a diagnosis all by itself. However, it is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently.

In this article, we’ll discuss understanding hyperlexia in autism, so parents can best support the development of their child.

Key Takeaways

• Hyperlexia involves early reading ability, often without formal instruction.
• Not all early readers have autism, and not all children with autism have hyperlexia.
• Social and communication difficulties help differentiate autism with hyperlexia from early readers.
• Hyperlexia can present with or without repetitive behaviors like echolalia.
• Hyperlexia III may improve over time, while Hyperlexia II often persists alongside autism traits.

Table Of Contents

What is Hyperlexia?

Hyperlexia actually has three different types.

Hyperlexia I is considered temporary, as it’s defined by a child who doesn’t have disabilities developing early reading skills. In this case, their peers eventually also develop reading skills and catch up to them.

Hyperlexia II occurs with children who have autism. It is often accompanied by a fascination with letters and numbers, which could exhibit itself in them preferring magnetic letters and books rather than other toys.

Children with ASD and hyperlexia II also can recall important numbers such as birth dates and license plates. They also typically display common autism signs, including having sensory sensitivities and not making good eye contact.

Hyperlexia III is similar to hyperlexia II, however their symptoms will disappear over time. In many cases, children with hyperlexia III display extraordinary reading comprehension, though they may lag behind peers in verbal language.

Children with hyperlexia III also usually make good eye contact, are affectionate and outgoing — things that contrast with children with ASD and hyperlexia II.

What Does Hyperlexia in Autism Look Like?

Not every child with autism has hyperlexia. Many children who have hyperlexia also meet the ASD diagnostic criteria, though.

As mentioned, a large portion of these children are often diagnosed with hyperlexia II. A lack or deficit with communication and social skills is often what distinguishes a child with ASD and hyperlexia from a child who’s neurotypical and just an early reader.

Children with autism and hyperlexia may have trouble understanding non-verbal communication cues such as sarcasm, tone of voice, facial expressions or body language. They may engage in repetitive patterns of speech, or even have echolalia, which involves repeating phrases and words even if they don’t understand them.

May children on the autism spectrum show a strong preference for structure and routine, and may be very resistant to even minor changes. They may also have difficulty engaging in conversations with others or understanding others’ emotions.

These are some of the telltale signs that a child with autism has hyperlexia and isn’t just an early reader.

What Are Some Ways to Support Children with Hyperlexia and Autism?

The leading treatment option for children on the autism spectrum is known as applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy. It’s a science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior that can help children gain new skills and modify certain behaviors.​

Treatment plans are based on a wealth of data specific to that child, and are crafted with that child’s unique strengths, challenges, preferences and needs in mind.

By building social and communication skills through a variety of strategies, ABA therapy can help children with hyperlexia and autism build upon their intense interest in reading and numbers, and advanced reading skills.

Each patient will have their own ABA therapy goals, and therapists will work directly with them to meet those goals.

They teach new skills by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. They’ll integrate visual cues and aids, social stories and modeling as ways to help children with autism understand better.

Over time, therapists will help children with autism and hyperlexia generalize the skills they learn in treatment so they can apply those skills to multiple environments and scenarios, and with multiple people.

Ultimately, this will support the child’s overall development, helping them live as independently as possible.

Blue Gems ABA Addresses Hyperlexia in Autism

Some children with autism also have hyperlexia, which is characterized by an early fascination with numbers and letters, and an advanced ability to read. Though not all children with hyperlexia have autism, there is some significant crossover.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team is experienced in helping address all symptoms of autism, as well as co-occurring disorders such as hyperlexia. We craft our treatment plans specifically for each child, so they can get targeted therapies that help them the most.

To learn more, please contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is hyperlexia a diagnosis?
  No, it is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it’s often associated with ASD.
• Can a child have hyperlexia without autism?
  Yes, children can be early readers without meeting criteria for autism.
• Does hyperlexia affect communication?
  In cases linked with autism, yes. Children may struggle with comprehension and social cues.
• How is hyperlexia treated?
  ABA therapy and individualized support focusing on social, emotional, and communication development.
• Will my child outgrow hyperlexia?
  In some cases like Hyperlexia III, children improve over time. Others may need ongoing support.