Why Speech Therapy Might Not be Working for Your Hyperlexic Child

Why speech therapy might not be working for your hyperlexic child.

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Does it seem like your hyperlexic child isn't making progress as expected in speech therapy?

Maybe you've tried so many approaches and different therapists over the years, but nothing's working.

Perhaps your child has been attending therapy for years and it seems like your child is still stuck where they were when you first started. 

It might even feel like you're just wasting money at this point.

But there's a simple explanation for why things might not be progressing as expected.

And it all has to do with the fact that most hyperlexic kids are gestalt language processors.

This post is an expanded version of this collaborative Instagram post that I did with @bohospeechie. It's an important topic that deserved a permanent place on the blog as well.

Why Speech Therapy Might Not Be Working for Your Hyperlexic Child

More often than not, the therapy that a hyperlexic child is receiving doesn't match how they learn and process language.

Remember, most (if not all) hyperlexic kids are gestalt language processors so they learn language in chunks.

Therefore, their therapy should focus on helping them break down those chunks (called gestalts) into smaller chunks and then eventually into single words. It's only at this point that they can they start to generate spontaneous language and use beginning grammar. This process is called Natural Language Acquisition.

The problem is though that hyperlexic kids often aren't receiving therapy that's tailored to their gestalt language learning. 

Instead, they're frequently being treated as if they are an analytic language processor (they learn language in single words versus chunks).

When hyperlexic kids are treated as if they are an analytic language processor, important steps in the Natural Language Acquisition process end up being skipped. 

As a result, a lot of the goals a therapist might set are inappropriate because they don't match the stage that the hyperlexic learner is actually in. 

That means the therapist might set a goal that can only be achievable once the child is able to generate spontaneous language. However, the problem is that they've skipped the earlier stages of helping hyperlexic learners break down chunks into smaller chunks and single words and the child isn't yet ready to generate spontaneous language. 

So, essentially the goals being set are for later stages in their language acquisition process even though the child is still in the first or second stage. In other words, they're not meeting the child where they actually are.

But why is this happening? Why aren't hyperlexic kids receiving the right approach to therapy?

Why Aren't Speech Therapists Using the Right Approach for Hyperlexic Kids Then?

Well, part of the problem is that a lot of speech therapists are still unfamiliar with gestalt language processing and the Natural Language Acquisition process. Unfortunately, it's not something they learned about during their education.

In other words, your child's speech therapist might not be aware of this type of language development. They're instead only familiar with how to treat analytic language processors, not gestalt language processors.

They've likely even been taught that echolalia is meaningless (it's not!) and should be ignored or discouraged (it shouldn't!). 

So what now?

What Can You Do When Your Hyperlexic Child Isn't Making Progress as Expected?

Most importantly, parents and therapists need to recognize that echolalia is indeed meaningful communication and that communicating with echolalia is a sign that a child is learning language differently (i.e., they're a gestalt language processor).

You can't just use the methods you'd normally use for analytic language processors with these types of learners. They're not going to be effective.

Instead, hyperlexic kids need a different approach to therapy because they learn language differently.

Not only should the therapeutic approach consider how gestalt language processors develop language, but it should also incorporate the interests and strengths of the hyperlexic learner. 

More specifically, the fact that hyperlexic kids can read should be leveraged during therapy. That means writing things down to support spoken language models. And that's not always happening.

With these points in mind, parents should look for a therapist who is familiar with gestalt language processing, Natural Language Acquisition, and hyperlexia. Parents themselves should also make sure they understand these three topics as well. It makes it easier to advocate and know what to look for when they do. 

Now, if parents can't find a therapist familiar with gestalt language processing, then they can always talk to the therapist they currently do have and see if they would be interested in learning more about gestalt language processing. Perhaps both the parents and the therapist could take the Meaningful Speech course together, for instance (be sure to use coupon code DYAN to save 5%), as a way to learn more about it.

Parents should also request that the therapist set goals that are appropriate for their hyperlexic child and their stage of language development. If the parent notices inappropriate goals, then they should speak up and advocate accordingly.

Finally, parents should make sure that the therapist is incorporating the hyperlexic child's interests into therapy. Those interests shouldn't be withheld, discouraged, and/or used as rewards (learn more here). Instead, the therapist should look for ways to include those letters or numbers into therapy (tips here).

A Quick Recap of The Hyperlexic Child & a Lack of Progress in Speech Therapy

I know it can be frustrating to see your hyperlexic child not making progress as expected, but, when you find the right therapist and approach, it really makes a big difference. Here's a recap of what was discussed above:

• A hyperlexic child might not be making progress in speech therapy as expected because there's a mismatch between how they learn language and the therapy approached being used.

• Hyperlexic kids are gestalt language processors, but they often receive therapy that's geared towards analytic language processors, not gestalt processors.

• More often than not, this is happening because many speech therapists are still unfamiliar with gestalt language processing and even hyperlexia, for that matter.

• Parents and therapists need to recognize that echolalia is indeed meaningful communication and that a different way of learning language requires a different approach to therapy.

• Finding a speech therapist familiar with hyperlexia and gestalt language processing can be a challenge. But, if parents can't find a therapist familiar with these areas, they can always collaborate with their current speech therapist and learn about these topics together. Work as a team!

• Speech therapy for hyperlexic kids should focus on the Natural Language Acquisition process, leverage the child's strengths (especially their ability to read), incorporate their interests, and be tailored to how gestalt language processors learn language.

The right therapist and the right approach really makes a difference. And they can be the two biggest factors behind why speech therapy might not be working for your hyperlexic child.

Want to Learn More About Gestalt Language Processing?

If you'd like to learn more about gestalt language processing and Natural Language Acquisition, I highly recommend checking out the Meaningful Speech courses and their Gestalt Language Processing Handbook. Use coupon code DYAN to save 5% on the handbook or courses.

Learn more about the Gestalt Language Processing Handbook & Courses

10 Tips for Keeping Kids with Hypernumeracy Challenged

Wondering how to keep your hypernumeric child challenged? Here are some tips for keeping kids with hypernumeracy challenged.

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When you have a little one who teaches themselves math and understands mathematical concepts well at such a young age, you might start to wonder: how on Earth will you possibly keep them challenged? Especially when they start school.

Well, for parents of kids identified with hypernumeracy, it's a common concern. 

And for parents who maybe aren't great at math themselves, it might be an even bigger worry. How can you possibly keep up with their math skills if you don't understand the concepts yourself?

So whether you're good at math yourself or not, it's good to know what you can do to support your hypernumeric child's interests, stretch their minds, and keep them challenged as they grow.

After all, you know it's important to encourage a child's special interests and passions (see the benefits here).

So, let's take a look at some tips for keeping kids with hypernumeracy challenged. That way you have some ideas of how to support them, no matter what they're learning about or how old they are. 

Tips for Keeping Kids with Hypernumeracy Challenged

Please keep in mind that some of the following tips might be best for certain ages. Also, some of the tips or suggestions below might not be options depending on what's available to you locally.

1. Provide them with math related toys, games, and manipulatives

One of the easiest things you can do is offer your child lots of toys, games, and manipulatives that cater to their interests and abilities. 

That might be math puzzles, dice of various shapes and sizes, math games, pattern blocks or tangrams, dominoes, playing cards, snap cubes, geoboards, an abacus...there are lots of possibilities here!

Here are some suggestions:

• Prime Climb board game - Pretty sure I got my butt kicked every time I played this game...

• Pattern Blocks - Great for making colorful designs, learning geometry, and exploring patterns.

• SumBlox - I wish these existed when my son was a toddler! They are so cool!

You might also want to consider everyday tools here as well. After all, many tools, such as tape measures, measuring tapes, rulers, scales, clocks, stop watches, an old cash register, and calculators, are well-loved by hypernumeric kids. You would be amazed by the things these kids pick up and learn on their own, just by playing around with these types of items.

2. Enroll them in math clubs, camps, or challenges

A great way to keep a hypernumeric child challenged is to enroll them in a math club or similar. Not only will they get to build their skills and show off their abilities, but they'll also get to connect with peers with similar interests and foster social skills.

What is available, however, will obviously depend on where you live. For instance, some schools might offer math clubs or math challenges throughout the year, while others may not. 

You could also try checking websites such as Outschool for math classes as a substitute for a math club or camp.

3. Introduce math related books

When they're younger, you can opt for picture books and stories that teach and explore various mathematical concepts. Then there are books like Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook that are a great option for when they get older.

Obviously, you can also look for textbooks or workbooks as well. More on that in a later tip though.

4. Use educational websites, apps, and videos

There are lots of great websites, apps, YouTube videos, and even songs out there that you could use to keep your hypernumeric child engaged and challenged. For instance, one of my son's favorite websites for years has been the Coolmath Games website.

You can use these online resources to explore new concepts, learn new math tricks, and/or supplement what they are learning in school. 

You could even register for websites that would allow your child to explore advanced math topics at their own pace (e.g, Prodigy or Beast Academy). I mean, let's be honest, they're likely bored by what they are taught at school or aren't adequately challenged most of the time in the classroom.

Also, don't forget to explore websites and apps on related topics such as coding or programming. A website or app like Scratch, for example, is always a great option.

5. Support continuous learning both at home and at school

Similar to the tip above, you want to look for additional resources (besides online resources) that will help your child explore advanced math topics at their own pace. 

That might mean looking for workbooks or textbooks that are more at their level. I know that most people would be aghast at the mere mention of workbooks for a child, but when you're a parent of a hyperlexic and hypernumeric child, then you know that our kids often love workbooks.

You could also speak to your child's teacher and school staff about giving your child math assignments that are more at their level or challenge them further. They might be able to offer other supports in this area if you ask for them so be sure to advocate for your child's needs.

It might also be worth exploring related fields and concepts, such as coding and programming, to see if there are other options available that could challenge your child. For instance, maybe you could register them for coding camp or register for an ongoing program such as Code Ninjas.

Another option is to explore science or math museums where they can explore and engage with interactive exhibits. Obviously, there might not always be options near you, but it is definitely something to consider in case there are local options available.

Finally, engaging in conversations about math, googling their random questions (like what's 3 million in Roman numerals...), and encouraging them to go all in on their passions are all great ways to support their learning at home.

6. Adapt and modify math assignments, as needed, so it's at their level

One thing that we used to do a lot when my son was younger was modify math assignments. That way they were more at my son's level, while still practicing the main concepts of the worksheet or homework.

For instance, if they were working on doubling, we would pick larger or more complex numbers than just single digits. That way he's still working on the target skill or concept, but he's working more at his level.

7. Connect with a math mentor or tutor

Is math not your thing? Are you worried that you can't challenge your child enough? Then consider hiring a math mentor or tutor. They can challenge your child's abilities and perhaps offer guidance on how to best support them.

8. Provide them with logic puzzles and games

You can try activity books or even solo logic games. There are lots of different options. 

But logic puzzles and games are great for teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills, among other skills, of course. And they'll definitely keep hypernumeric kids challenged!

One of my son's favorites when he was really young was Rush Hour. We even had all the expansion/bonus decks to keep him busy. I was constantly blown away by how easily and quickly he could solve some of the challenges. However, there are lots of different logic games that you could try such as Kanoodle or Cat Stax. We went through a lot of them so it's hard to remember all of their names...

The other option is to get activity books filled with logic puzzles. Think sudoku, for instance. 

For the last few years, though, my son's favorite type of logic puzzles have been nonograms (which I still don't understand how to do haha). We highly recommend this book of nonograms or any by this author. My son loves them!

9. Involve them in everyday math applications

Include your child in everyday math applications or, at the very least, try to find ways to incorporate math concepts into everyday activities. 

You'll be teaching them valuable life skills at the same time.

Maybe that means giving them the tape measure and letting them measure things for a project. Or maybe you let them handle cash transactions at the store or measure ingredients for cooking or baking. Maybe you let them use a clear ruler to measure how much water is in the bathtub (we did this to help with some major bath time anxiety back in the day).

10. Encourage mathematical exploration

Reading, watching videos, and taking part in courses are great starting points. But, you can also offer hands-on activities, create math-related projects, and let them do some independent research on their favorite math related topics.

You'll want to follow your child's lead here. After all, this tip is all about giving them time to pursue their passions and explore their interests fully. 

So, if they want to learn more about Roman numerals, then learn about Roman numerals (and cover your entire driveway in them). They want to learn the first 250 digits of Pi? Encourage it and maybe even learn alongside them.

By the way, learning alongside your child is a great way to show interest in their interests, which is super important to do (read more here). 

A Quick Recap of the Tips

Obviously, this list of tips is by no means exhaustive. There are lots of different things you could do to keep your hypernumeric child challenged. But here's a quick recap of the tips that we covered above:

• Provide them with math related toys, games, and manipulates. Consider everyday tools such as measuring tapes and calculators here as well.

• Enroll them in math clubs, camps, and challenges to build their skills, showcase their abilities, and foster social skills development by connecting with like-minded peers.

• Introduce math related stories and books to explore various concepts.

• Use educational websites, apps, and videos to keep them engaged and explore various mathematical concepts. Be sure to also consider related fields or topics, such as coding.

• Support continuous learning both at home and at school. You may have to advocate for supports at school.

• Adapt and modify math assignments, as needed, so it's more at their level.

• Connect with a math mentor or tutor who can challenge your child further, especially if you feel you can't keep up.

• Provide them with logic puzzles and games.

• Involve them in everyday math applications. It'll teach them valuable life skills at the same time.

• Encourage mathematical exploration and let them fully explore their interests.

Hopefully, you found these tips for keeping kids with hypernumeracy challenged helpful!

Free Social Stories About Going Bowling

A collection of free social stories about going bowling. Printable and video social stories for kids are included below.

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Bowling is one of those activities that anyone can enjoy, but it's also one that can quickly cause sensory overload for some. The loud music. The sound of the balls hitting the floor. The lights. The crowds and cheering. It can sometimes be too much.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prepare your child for going bowling for the first time (or second or third). For instance, you can use social stories. 

Another thing you could do is watch YouTube videos that talk about the rules of bowling or how to bowl. 

Another option is to check out the Kids Bowl Free Program and try bowling for free during the summer. It's one of our favorite programs and we sign up every year (and buy the family pass so my husband and I can join in). It's something we look forward to every summer - we try to go bowling 2-3 times a week all summer long. I highly recommend it!

But before you hit the bowling alley, let's take a look at some free social stories about going bowling. Stories that you can use to introduce bowling to your child.

Free Social Stories About Going Bowling

Have you been looking for a social story about vising a bowling alley? Then look no further than these free printable bowling social stories. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.

I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you find the best bowling related social story for yourself or your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).

Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them.

1. Bowling Social Story from Kidmunicate - This social story is about 10 pin bowling specifically, but is very detailed. It uses full color photos and even has a list of 12 tips to prepare your child for the bowling alley at the end of the story. You can find the download link for the PDF in the 6th paragraph.

2. Bowling Social Story from Where I AUT-a Be on TPT - This story uses colorful clipart and has boxes on each page that I assume you stick something to. Not sure. It looks like the story is specifically geared towards Special Olympics field trip.

3. Social Story About Bowling Rules from The Buckner's Special Education Corner on TPT - Here's a story that uses clipart (some with watermarks still on them...). In the page previews, it looks like it has some weird text ("not lay down like spaghetti") and some pages have the text all in uppercase letters. So I'm not too sure about this story, but it could still give you some ideas of what to include in your own story.

4. Social Story for Bowling Trip from Joy de los Santos on TPT - The description says that this story was created in Boardmaker and is geared towards students in grade 7 and up.

5. Bowling Trip Social Story from Boardmaker - Here's a story geared towards a bowling field trip that involves riding a bus. The story includes a mixture of clipart, icons, and photos.

6. We are Going Bowling Social Story from Solution Psychology - I like the simple text and full color photos in this story. However, the story is written about a very specific bowling alley, but you could skip those pages or use ideas from this story to write your own.

7. Going Bowling Social Story from Family Network on Disabilities - This social story uses simple text and icon style clipart. It is geared towards 10 pin bowling and includes a few scripts for things kids could say, which is helpful for hyperlexic kids.

8. Doing Bowlabilities: A Social Story from Bowlabilities - This story focuses on 10 pin bowling and a specific learn to bowl program. However, you could use ideas from this social story as inspiration for writing your own story.

Video Social Stories About Bowling

Here are some video social stories that talk about how to go bowling. You can use these in teletherapy sessions, social skills groups, at home, and/or classroom settings. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.

Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great, they might be specific to a particular program, or they might be filmed weird. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping your child understand how to go bowling, how to play, and what to expect at the bowling alley.

Whether your child is going bowling as a part of a class field trip or you are trying out the Kids Bowl Free Program this summer (you totally should as it's awesome!), these free social stories about going bowling should be helpful. Good luck and have fun!

Free Social Stories About Going to the Movies

A collection of free social stories about going to the movies. Printable and video social stories for kids are included below.

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Are you preparing your child for a trip to the movie theater? Maybe it's even their first time going.

Well, social stories can be a great tool to help them learn about what to expect and what some of the unspoken rules of theaters are.

Below you will find a variety of free social stories about going to the movies. 

Honestly, I'm surprised that there were so few social stories that were free. You would think big movie theater chains (e.g., Landmark or Cineplex) would have something to offer, especially the ones that offer sensory friendly screenings, but, alas, they do not. Such a missed opportunity!

Anyway, let's take a look at the social story options that I did find. They'll help your child learn more about what it's like to go to a movie theater or cinema.

Free Social Stories About Going to the Movies

Have you been looking for a social story about going to the cinema or movie theater? Then look no further than these free printable movie theater social stories. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.

I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you find the best movie theater related social story for yourself or your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).

Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them.

1. Going to the Movies Social Story from Children's Specialized Hospital - This story looks pretty detailed and uses full color photos throughout.

2. Going to the Movies Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - This story is mostly text based. It includes two images, one clipart and one photo.

3. Going to the Movie Theater Social Story from Elementary and Special Education Destination on TPT - Here's a story all about going to the movie theater for a class field trip. It uses simple text and full color photos.

4. Social Story About Going to the Movie Theater from InfiniTeach - This social story looks pretty detailed. It uses full color photos throughout.

5. Social Story: Going to the Movie Theater from Pathfinders for Autism - This story looks pretty basic, but it includes photos and clipart throughout. However, the photos look kind of blurry and have this weird grey bar behind it.

6. Going to the Movies Social Story from Family Network on Disabilities - This story focuses on going to the movies with a mom and uses icon style clipart. There are blanks to fill in and it does factor in some sensory challenges, which is nice.

7. Movie Outing Social Story from Family Network on Disabilities - Here's a one page social story that's super basic. It uses icon style clipart and focuses on going to the movies as part of a class field trip. Please note that this story does mention a specific movie, which will obviously not be the same one you are preparing for.

Video Social Stories About Going to the Movie Theater or Cinema

Here are some video social stories that talk about different aspects of going to the movies. You can use these in teletherapy sessions, social skills groups, at home, and/or classroom settings. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.

Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping your child learn about movie theater etiquette, rules, and expectations.

There are, of course, lots of other specific aspects of going to the movie theater that you could write social stories about, such as buying snacks, buying tickets, theater etiquette, and/or finding your assigned seat. 

But the free social stories about going to the movies above should give you a good overview of the movie theater experience as a whole. Hopefully you find these stories helpful!