Hyperlexia is a syndrome which displays characteristics similar to those of other developmental disorders. Hyperlexia is present in children who display the following characteristics: An above average ability to read words, high above what would be expected at their age (or an intense fascination with letters or numbers). A significant difficulty in understanding verbal language (hyperlexics are much better with the written word). Abnormal or even non-existent social skills (Inability to socialize and interact appropriately with people). Most learn expressive language in a non-traditional way (tend to memorize the sentence structure without understanding the meaning). A hyperlexic child will rarely initiate conversations. An intense need to make as well as keep routines. Auditory, olfactory (smell), or tactile (touch) over-sensitivity. Specific and unusual fears can be a component of the disorder. Usually hyperlexic children develop normally until 18-24 months, which is then followed by a noticeable developmental regression. Most hyperlexic children display a strong auditory and visual memory (which can be very useful to educators). Difficulty with Wh questions such as what, where, who, and why . Children with this disorder tend to think in concrete and literal terms (displaying difficulty with abstract concepts). Another issue that arises with hyperlexic children is their tendency to listen selectively, which may lead to an incorrect diagnosis of some sort of hearing impairment . Hyperlexia was originally identified as an unusual learning style. There still seems to be a great deal of confusion and disagreement when it comes to hyperlexia, which appears to be common in a disorder which is so young (in the grand scheme of things). The following is a historical time-line taken from Lynn Richmans talk on Hyperlexia , Differential Patterns in Language Disorders (taken from the American Hyperlexic Association website).Hist...
