Hyperlexia 1 is not a disorder as such and does not require nor warrant a diagnosis. The differences in intervention strategies, educational placements, outcomes and long term implications of an ASD diagnosis warrants caution when applying an ASD diagnosis to a child who reads early, or speaks late. (more about late speaking children later). While early diagnosis and intervention must be applauded for all children with developmental delays, if the child has hyperlexia as a presenting symptom and ASD is a possibility, a differential diagnosis approach should be considered before applying a definitive diagnosis of ASD. A period of watchful expectation will eventually reveal the natural history of the disorder and whether the hyperlexia falls into type 2 or type 3. Children with hyperlexia type 1 don’t require to be treated.
Hyperlexia 2 and 3: Three interventions have been reported to be especially helpful in children with hyperlexia 2 or 3. These include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and play-based ABA (applied behavioural analysis). A sound treatment program using the child’s strengths and interests to help with areas of weakness is vital to success. Therapists who are open-minded, willing to adopt the child’s goals and curriculum, and creatively and cooperatively solve problems are best suited to deal with the unique challenge these children present. Finding the right people to implement the child’s treatment plan is critical to success.
The most important aspect to remember is to use written language to help teach the child the skills they need. When in doubt, write it out. This empowers the child by building confidence and reducing stress as they stay within their comfort zone during the learning process.
The main and critical difference in intervention between children with hyperlexia 3, as opposed to hyperlexia 2, has to do with education placement. Children with Hyperlexia 3 benefit from being fully integrated into their classroom, with peers of the same age. Alternative placements usually provide few appropriate communication partners and less opportunity to engage in social communication. Hyperlexia 2 children, in contrast, most often benefit from alternative placement in special education classrooms because mainstream classrooms may be too over-stimulating and course material may be better taught and learned in more relaxed one on one arrangements.
Education placements must be individualized in either group taking into account each child’s skill set. Often parents need to become very active advocates on behalf of their children to obtain the most optimal school placement.