Hyperlexia
Language Development in Special Education
Hyperlexia
Hyperlexia
What is Hyperlexia? Hyperlexia is a rare disorder in which an individual can read above their grade level but have difficulties understanding as well as using both written and verbal language. They often have an intense fascination with letters and numbers. Some of these individuals have higher IQ’s than their peers. They have a hard time expressing themselves. Trying to carry on a conversation with another individual is very difficult, due to their lack in language development. This disorder can be diagnosed as early as twenty-four months old. (wisegeek.com) They often get diagnosed as having autism because the symptoms of Hyperlexia and autism spectrum disorders are very much alike. “Hyperlexia is not a stand-alone diagnosis, rather it is a continuum with other disorders, such as autism spectrum, language disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration dysfunction, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, motor dyspraxia, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and depression as well as seizure disorder.” (www.clsd.org) The earlier a child is identified as having Hyperlexia the better, because intervention at a young age increases a child’s success in both written and verbal language. The level of development for everyone is different, no one is going to be on the same level as their peers. As a teacher, you can work with these students by teaching them different strategies in the way they will learn best with the material you are teaching them. One of the important things to keep in mind is knowing the students’ learning style. Knowing their learning style is very helpful if you are expecting them to grasp the material you are teaching these students.
Children with Hyperlexia “learn written language simply by just being surrounded by printed words.” (ldail.com) “The more you read to children, the more words and language they will learn and will succeed in
Hyperlexia
Hyperlexia
What is Hyperlexia? Hyperlexia is a rare disorder in which an individual can read above their grade level but have difficulties understanding as well as using both written and verbal language. They often have an intense fascination with letters and numbers. Some of these individuals have higher IQ’s than their peers. They have a hard time expressing themselves. Trying to carry on a conversation with another individual is very difficult, due to their lack in language development. This disorder can be diagnosed as early as twenty-four months old. (wisegeek.com) They often get diagnosed as having autism because the symptoms of Hyperlexia and autism spectrum disorders are very much alike. “Hyperlexia is not a stand-alone diagnosis, rather it is a continuum with other disorders, such as autism spectrum, language disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration dysfunction, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, motor dyspraxia, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and depression as well as seizure disorder.” (www.clsd.org) The earlier a child is identified as having Hyperlexia the better, because intervention at a young age increases a child’s success in both written and verbal language. The level of development for everyone is different, no one is going to be on the same level as their peers. As a teacher, you can work with these students by teaching them different strategies in the way they will learn best with the material you are teaching them. One of the important things to keep in mind is knowing the students’ learning style. Knowing their learning style is very helpful if you are expecting them to grasp the material you are teaching these students.
Children with Hyperlexia “learn written language simply by just being surrounded by printed words.” (ldail.com) “The more you read to children, the more words and language they will learn and will succeed in
References: Autism Key. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2013, from http://www.autismkey.com C.H.I.L.D. Foundation (n.d.). C.H.I.L.D. - Home. Retrieved October 15, 2013, from http://www.childhealthlearn.org KidsHealth - the Web 's most visited site about children 's health. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2013, from http://www.kidshealth.org Nation/University of York, K. (1999). Reading Skills in Hyperlexia: A Developmental Perspective. Psychological Bulletin, 125(3), 338-355. Whaley/American Hyperlexia Association, J. (n.d.). Home - Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois. Retrieved October 15, 2013, from http://www.ldail.com wiseGEEK: clear answers for common questions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2013, from http://www.wisegeek.com (2007). Retrieved October 15, 2013, from www.clsd.org