What you need to know about hyperlexia

Hyperlexia is a self-taught ability to read well before the age of five – usually when the child is two or three years of age.

Although they can read well, they may find understanding what they read challenging, and they may also start speaking later than expected. Beacon Fostering seeks to make those providing foster care in Cheshire aware of different traits and conditions that foster children might have, while helping all parties overcome such challenges. Here’s what you should know about hyperlexia.

Spotting signs

If a child has hyperlexia, they will not just have unusually advanced reading skills. They may also have a fascination with numbers and letters, while struggling to understand what they are reading, as well as verbal communication.

While most children learn to read, hyperlexic children do so at an advanced rate. However, not all early readers have it – they may just be ‘gifted’, though it’s important to talk to a specialist if you have questions or concerns. They will be able to advise you and refer your child for further assessment if need be.

Appearances with other conditions

Hyperlexia is closely related to autism, however not all children who are hyperlexic have autism.

Supporting your child

There is professional help available if your child has hyperlexia, in the form of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and SEND/inclusion staff at your child’s school. Working with these people will help the child carry out tasks independently, such as structured routines, social integration and general self-care.