Hyperlexia in Children: Early Signs, Diagnosis and Treatments

[@marybarbera]

See the show notes to this podcast episode here: bit.ly/3njZ7Va

[@MarcusV741]

My son with ASD, now 14, learned to read by himself using leapfrog letter magnets. Both receptive and expressive language is way behind. He also has that ability to know the day of a date. He said that there's an 11,6,5,6 pattern in between years that a date will have the same day. hOw fast he can tell that, he cannot explain. He can also identify or produce a note of a sound..

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for sharing.

[@TheRojo387]

Your son is a prime example of why ASD does NOT deserve its underclass status given it by Bleuler himself.

[@jandp2941]

@@TheRojo387?

[@preciouslane3703]

Thank you so much for sharing this information! This definitely was my child's first sign at 2, she could read letters off anything in any order. So I thought she was just smart until she couldn't actually talk, along with behavioral issues. Long story short she was diagnosed at 4 with Autism, and her speech therapist brought up she had hyperplex. I was not fully understanding until now watching your video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

My son was talking until this June when he started talking to himself and finally stopped communicating with words. He was so into numbers mostly and numbers

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

Is your little one talking now?

[@preciouslane3703]

@@DarkAngel-cj6sx I would say they still consider her to be nonverbal, but we are getting there she will mostly use one word at a time to try to get her needs known. But we have added sign language to get her to use her other words. Its definitely a process, I definitely understand were your coming from with certain things I feel we will take one step forward, and a few months later she will take two step back. I do pray your son will start back using words again! That literally was my goal I just want my baby to be able to speak to me.

[@marybarbera]

My online courses can help you to re build some language! go to marybarbera.com/workshops for a free workshop

[@sita5735]

Thank you Dr Barbara ,My son is almost 4 .He was diagnosed when he was 2 and start therapy right away after that we see progress but not so much .Now he is 4 but only few words not so clear and so abscess with numbers .He knows up to 1000 already and not interested in other toys only numbers which scares me .Not sure how to stop him .Watch numbers everywhere on TV or outside number plates car .After watching you it sounds like he is hyperlexia

[@marybarbera]

yes, it does sound like that! I have full courses and techniques that can help. Make sure to watch a free workshop here www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@KayRob9116]

My son has been reading since 18 months and is reading Dr Seuss’s books now Two. Identifying alphabets at 18 months in and out of sequence. He knows shapes, planets, almost counts fluently to 100. He loves books but doesn’t obsess over reading them. He just gets excited. He loves reading signs, sounds similar to your son. He’s been reading things like “yogurt” at a yogurt shop since age 1. especially “coffee” and knows a cafe when he sees one. At 31 months, he speaks 4-5 word sentences. Communicates a lot. He has good eye contact and tends to be shy sometimes in new environments but not all new environments. I’m assuming this is the case because he’s 2 years old. I’m also shy and so is my daughter. As a child I wasn’t comfortable speaking up in a crowd but as an adult I’ve improved. He Seems to understand many books he reads because he reacts to what he’s reading and associates them with things around the house or life events. In a mom’s group, sometime mentioned their child was reading young and eventually was diagnosed with hyperlexia at 6. So this made me look further into it. My son doesn’t seem to have autistic traits but I’m always open to testing and early detection. I’d rather know if he’s gifted or on the spectrum. I don’t want to overthink it. Can anyone relate?

[@heb4169]

I can relate! My son is 2.5 and can count to 100, say abc and say words associated with them. if put on the spot he is completely shy but his recent visit to neurologist he was diagnosed with asd but i believe he was misdiagnosed and am going for a second opinion

[@brianal7143]

I can also relate! My son knows the alphabet and all his numbers up to 100, he turned two in September. He can also read and speak words, he just doesn't express himself or ask for things. I had him screened for autism and multiple specialists have said he is NOT on the spectrum. No behavior issues. I just keep working with him as best I can.

[@heb4169]

@@brianal7143 wow thats interesting because my son was diagnosed and aba is a great way for them to get help. What state are u located in??

[@Emanu2018]

there is hyperlexia 3 family group join us

[@Caden-fe6lm]

Yes. I'm autistic (and didn't read early). My 21 month old started reading words at 12 months old, and started reading letters maybe a month or two before that. He now knows the alphabet (letters and letter sounds) inside out, knows colours, 2d shapes, route counts to 8 by himself, actually counts to three objects reliably and above that more variably, knows numbers up to 20 and a lot above that to 69 (he reads the numbers of doors we pass on walks). He is naturally very extroverted, speaks 2 to 3 word sentences often ('shoes go on feet' is his current record). Started speaking at 8 months old. I don't notice any of the sensory issues I had as a child. I've done a ton of reading and various developmental work with him (one of my special interests is early childhood development especially things like Glenn doman), so I'm hoping that's the reason. But overheard someone dismissing a similarly verbal and early reading child as 'just hyperlexic' so am now intrigued as don't know much about it.

[@nattybking]

I think my soul has just been destroyed that little bit more after watching this 😥 I have a little boy, he is 4, turns 5 this October and due to start school this September. He showed a very keen interest in numbers and letters at 18 months old and, knowing absolutely nothing about autism etc at the time, I assumed it meant he was gifted, so happily indulged his interest. He knows the alphabet forwards, backwards and inside out and can easily identify numbers up to 100. However, although his receptive language isn't terrible as he can follow certain commands and identify many animals, vehicles, objects around the home etc, his comprehension of what those things are for seems to be lacking somewhat. He has no formal diagnosis of autism, yet, but he has been assessed and just waiting for a doctor to refer him to a Consultant Paediatrician. He doesn't talk, although he has said a few words in the past, but there is no consistency and he will not repeat them back to you, even with heavy prompting. We are currently paying privately for ABA therapy and have seen some improvements in his communication, but ut is slow going. l've always thought that he was high functioning and people, professionals have even said the same, but now I think that might be BS. 😢

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for sharing. Hope you can join our courses: marybarbera.com/courses/

[@ainaamanova5106]

Thank you so much for sharing with your experience 🙏

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for watching!

[@halimshenouda930]

My granddaughter is 3 years old and she reads at an advanced age. She can say words, she points, she laughs and she is very affectionate! However, she cannot converse in sentences. She has difficulty with transitions and she only eats a variety of 5 foods! She does stim a little when she is upset! My daughter would like her to see a speech therapist, I however think that she should begin by seeing her paediatrician first! He was assigned to my granddaughter after her traumatic birth, where she had lost some oxygen. He is the top paediatrician at the Children’s hospital in Toronto! What is your advice? Thank you!

[@marybarbera]

You can join a course to start helping your grandchild: MaryBarbera.com/courses

[@tinaf4373]

Thank you for your videos you have helped me so much ❤

[@marybarbera]

You are so welcome!

[@kazzieheart]

I’ve been struggling to get teachers to listen because they think my son is doing great, he doesn’t understand what he reads and he’s 7 years old but has been reading since he was 2 maybe earlier but he didn’t learn to speak until he was 3. They think because his reading is basically perfect at this point and his peers are still struggling to read due to the lockdown that he doesn’t present any delays. He was put on a special needs plan when he was younger because he used to communicate with singular words, but he’s learnt to mimic and other people pleasing behaviours that makes him seem like he knows what is expected when in reality he’s wondering through school life confused and comes home very overwhelmed. The teachers talk to me as if I’m crazy. I’ve put in a drs referral but at this age without approval from teachers it’s not taken seriously.

[@marybarbera]

Ahh, that does sound frustrating! I think you might find this resource helpful: marybarbera.com/advocating-for-children-with-autism-5-steps-for-parents-and-professionals/

[@andymc4359]

Can writing out recent past daily activities help? Like daddy and son went to the park today etc. Will this help them understand and piece things together?

[@marybarbera]

It's difficult for me to advise, since I don't know your child, but when dealing with hyperlexia in children showing signs of autism, it's important to take my online course and learn how to build up the necessary language and self care skills that come before bigger academic skills like reading, writing, and math. To learn more about my courses, join a free workshop here: MaryBarbera.com/workshop.

[@fatimakaissi4159]

Thank you so much, Dr. Barbera :)

[@marybarbera]

Happy you enjoyed it!

[@swan_kitofficail_swankitofc]

My daughter Asd, start reading at age 2 and now she's 6 now , can solve 50pcs puzzles, and can also good in number can add higher numbers..

[@marybarbera]

These are incredible skills for sure! But, if you want help in the areas where her development suffers more, perhaps in language skills, self care, comprehension, or problem behaviors, my online courses can really help you. For more details, join me for a free workshop at www.marybarbera.com/workshops.

[@Sivakamesh]

Thank you. Very helpful !

[@marybarbera]

I'm so happy you found this video helpful! Thank you for watching.

[@beonkawaugh1238]

Hey I was wondering how is your son doing at 25 years old ? In also what do you mean when you say when your child has hyperlexia in autism you have to think about it you want to get a evaluation?

[@marybarbera]

If your child may have autism, you likely want a full assessment. At 25, my son is happy and healthy. He speaks in short phrases and is independent in many self care tasks.

[@beonkawaugh1238]

@@marybarbera okay as far as school was he able to go to regular classes

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

My 3.5 years old son was diagnosed with Autism on September 2. He was so interested in numbers so much that it was scary to me. He would just count from 1-100 in french then some numbers in English. He was also obsessed with reading. He would just cry because he wanted you to read for him. Then in January 30 He refused to look at books and his behaviors changed into really doing everything you ask him not to do. Then June, he started talking to himself and in a matter of two weeks, he stopped communicating with words. Now he can repeat his ABC if you ask him to or any other words you ask him you ask him to repeat. He talks to himself all day in nonsense language and I am so confused because he can talk sometimes if he needs something. However, he can't answer any questions like what is your name or show me blue color etc... Anyone familiar with this situation? He understands everything you ask him to do

[@preciouslane3703]

That is how my little one was with letters, she was even starting to say them in Spanish. No one speaks Spanish in my house. She used to only eco what was said to her, so to me there was not a lot of thought of her own. But now with all the different things I have been picking up from therapy she is at least making choices.

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

@@preciouslane3703 great. That is a big process to make a choice. Soon it will be answering questions.

[@marybarbera]

Check out a free workshop at Marybarbera.com/workshop

[@Emanu2018]

My boy also hyperlexia he reads, understand very well loves numbers trying adding, dubstract, but he has behaviour issues flapping and tiptoes ,he is talking also but behind his age...am confused is he savant?

[@jandp2941]

Does he have an ASD diagnosis? Curious to know how your little boy is doing today 😊❤

[@Emanu2018]

@jandp2941 yes he did mild to average he is going regular school now still has bit behaviour issues 😳 but smart in academic

[@willdwyer6782]

I'm in my mid-50s and I learned to read much earlier than my peers, but I chalk it up to the fact that Sesame Street hit the airwaves when I was just under 2 years old.

[@marybarbera]

Sesame Street never disappoints!

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

Some hyperlexix kids do understand what they are reading

[@marybarbera]

You're absolutely right about that. Thank you for watching!

[@Emanu2018]

My son is understanding very well what he is reading...he loves reading

[@ninanoori1081]

Thank you that’s true

[@robertolson7304]

My son only plays with numbers and shapes. It used to be colors. Now its 100% numbers. He would read books alot. Not know anything.

[@aneesahthequeen]

Love that quote!!❤️

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for watching!

[@bluecannibaleyes]

As someone who by all indication had this as a child, I think this is very misunderstood. Why is it just seen as an impediment and something that needs ‘treatment’? It’s not a disability… Kind of the opposite, really. It’s annoying that it seems to always be just associated with a disability when it itself is actually a sort of gifted ability. Or maybe I’m just salty because it’s the only superpower I ever had and everything I see on it just seems to see it as a bad thing and/of an indication of bad things. I suppose I’m an unusual case because I was quickly found to read well beyond my age level. However, I did not have delayed speech but the exact opposite. I started talking at an unusually young age. I’ve never been diagnosed, but I’m probably autistic, as I have pretty much all signs other that delayed speech. I was tested for being gifted as a child and just barely didn’t make it into the program. I was still given the gifted material because I clearly was, as evidenced by the fact that I kept up with it just fine and was immediately put on every AP/Honors track beyond elementary school. Basically, in elementary I got all the extra work of being gifted with none of the accolades. I just don’t hear about many cases like mine and I feel like I flew under the radar on a lot of things. I’m an only child, so my parents didn’t realize how unusually advanced my language abilities were. My mom just thought it was normal for a child to talk at 9 months and hold conversations at 18 months. She just dismissed me reading a children’s book aloud perfectly to my cousin at the age of 2-3 as me having memorized it, which she for some reason didn’t see as impressive. In hindsight, my teachers probably had no idea what to do with me as a kid and were just crossing their fingers hoping that I didn’t get bored out of my wits in school. 😂

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for sharing! Hyperlexia looks different on each child. It's just important to understand that, in some children, it can hinder language and other pre requisite developmental skills.

[@bluecannibaleyes]

@@marybarbera It just seems like it’s more of a commonly co-morbid condition rather than the problem in and of itself. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a kid being fascinated by letters/words, loving to read, and reading above their skill level. If anything, it’s sort of like a superpower. Seems kind of backwards to see it as a ‘problem’ that a kid is a good reader. Sounds like they’ve really only ever studied it in kids that were also speech-hindered and just assumed that correlation equaled causation because they never saw cases like mine in the samples they studied. It’s the one autistic savant skill I ever had, just let me be proud of it. 😂

[@turtleanton6539]

Cool😊

[@Rittanybay]

My sons thing is number. He knows math, subtraction addition and some multiplication. This would be great except that’s all he talks about. Pretty sure he has type 3 .

[@marybarbera]

I understand! Does he have any other delays? I would highly recommend taking my free digital assessment to see where he's at developmentally. It should only take you about 15 minutes to complete: marybarbera.com/freeassessment/

[@Emanu2018]

mine did as well but he has behaviour issues

[@owakonotoko4695]

I should think this is one of savant syndrome.

[@kimoiotoko3565]

Perhaps, I should think this is also a kind of savant syndrome.

[@alimfuzzy]

Why were you letting your little kid read about 9/11?

[@marybarbera]

He was in 6th grade and I was a consultant in observed him in his classroom. I did not set the curriculum.

[@alimfuzzy]

@marybarbera sorry I must of missed the first part of the video where you said of the difference in his learning levels. Makes sense now. I hope he is doing well. I thought he was 3 or 4 years old.

[@aneesahthequeen]

😍😍❤️❤️💙💙