Hyperlexia

Hyperlexia is a syndrome often connected with autism. The main characteristics are an above normal ability to read coupled with a below normal ability to understand spoken language.

Hyperlexia appears to be different from what is known as hypergraphia, which is the urge or compulsion to write but does not appear to be coupled with autism, although as with many mental conditions or quirks it's possible that this is more a matter of opinion than strict science. In any case, a child with hyperlexia typically often has problems with social interaction and comprehension of words similar to those of those with Asperger's syndrome or full-blown autism. Often, hyperlexic children will have a precocious ability to read but will learn to speak only by rote and heavy repetition. They may also have difficulty learning the rules of language from examples or from trial and error.

See also

• Asperger's syndrome
• dyslexia

External link

• American Hyperlexia Association (http://www.hyperlexia.org/)
• Website and support for those with hyperlexia (http://www.spectrumhaven.com)