Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Common Traits of Hypernumeracy

A look at some common characteristics, signs, or traits of hypernumeracy.

For many hyperlexic kids, numbers and math quickly overtake letters and reading to become the main passion or interest. That was the case for my son. And it seems to be the case for a lot of other hyperlexic kids.

Well, that's where hypernumeracy comes in. 

It's something my son was identified with during his autism assessment back in November 2014, but could I find much info on it? Nope. There were 63 search results on Google that day I first googled it. Sixty-three!

When talking about hypernumeracy, I have to draw on personal experience, the stories that families have shared with me over the years, and the hyperlexia research as best I can. Because, unfortunately, there isn't any information or research to work with on this particular topic.

Below you will find a list of common traits of hypernumeracy to give you a better understanding of what hypernumeracy is and what it looks like. I've also sprinkled in some stories from our own life as examples.

The most common traits of hypernumeracy

The Most Common Traits of Hypernumeracy

Now, before we dig in, please keep in mind that this list of traits are based on our personal experience and those that have been shared with me over the years by other families. 

They are also based on and adapted from common hyperlexic traits since hyperlexia and hypernumeracy are related and go hand-in-hand. Although, please note that not all hyperlexic kids will have hypernumeracy. 

Also, remember that hypernumeracy isn't an official diagnosis or anything. It's not like you'll find it in the DSM. There also isn't a lot written about it. That means no official list of characteristics can be easily found.

**So please remember that this list of traits of hypernumeracy is by no means official. Nor should it be used to "diagnose" hypernumeracy.**

1. Learn to identify and recognize numbers early

First things first, kids with hypernumeracy learn to identify and recognize numbers quite early. Often in or around the same time that hyperlexic kids learn to identify and recognize letters. So usually that is somewhere between 18-24 months of age.

Usually kids with hypernumeracy learn numbers concurrently with letters. However, more often than not these kids start off with letters and then quickly move to numbers.

2. First words might be numbers

Don't be surprised if their first words are numbers, similar to how the first words for many hyperlexic kids are letters (see early signs of hyperlexia here). 

You might also notice that their vocabulary may continue to be dominated by number or math related words going forward.

3. Intense fascination with numbers and math

For hyperlexic kids, it's all about letters. But, for kids with hypernumeracy, numbers and math quickly become their everything. This interest in numbers quickly overtakes their interest in letters and is very intense.

For kids with hypernumeracy, it's all about numbers and math

Kids with hypernumeracy seek out numbers everywhere, much like hyperlexic kids do with print and written words. 

They are drawn to anything involving numbers and math such as clocks, timers, thermostats, the depth of the swimming pool, the speed you are driving (and the fact that you're going over the speed limit..), etc. 

They might point out numbers everywhere they go. For instance, did you know that lamp posts have numbers? I did not until my son pointed them out.

They might be more interested in the number of pages or chapters than the book itself. Or maybe they'll add page numbers to each page in blank notebooks instead of filling the page with drawings or stories like their peers might do.

It's just all about numbers for them 24/7.

As we'll touch on in the next couple of sections, their play centers around numbers, they think in terms of numbers, they quantify EVERYTHING, and their preferred toys are usually number or math related. And probably none of this is surprising to you.

4. Their play centers around numbers and math

Similar to how hyperlexic kids spend hours playing with letter toys, singing the ABCs, and reading, kids with hypernumeracy opt for playing with numbers, counting, writing numbers or math equations, studying clocks, playing with calculators, and so on. 

Basically, if it involves numbers, they'll be drawn to it. Seriously, who's idea was it to put a chair under a thermostat in the waiting room of the childhood development center? Because I'd like to have a word with them...

Anyway, kids with hypernumeracy will want to spend hours absorbed in their number play. It's comforting and regulating for them, much like letters are for hyperlexic kids.

Number play is comforting for kids with hypernumeracy

As they get older, their play might involve writing numbers with chalk, doing dot-to-dots, playing sudoku, playing with dice, doing math equations or workbooks for fun, and so on. As a teenager, for example, my son spends hours doing nonograms, which are logic puzzles involving numbers.

5. Prefer number and math related toys

Number magnets, number puzzles, calculators, rulers, measuring tapes, dice, telephones...anything with numbers and they'll love it!

For instance, my son's favorite thing to play with as a toddler were these giant foam numbers that I made him. He would literally spend hours counting up and down with them, sometimes one by one, but usually skip counting by different numbers. He'd make math equations with them and so on.

We also carried calculators (yes, plural!) with us everywhere we went because calculators were another favorite toy for him. They are still one of his favorite possessions even as a teenager.

6. Think in numbers and quantify everything

To me, this trait is the most important one. Literally everything is thought about in terms of numbers, math, or measurement. They attempt to quantify everything.

For instance, they might refer to movies by their run times instead of their titles. They might refer to grandma's house as "488 house" because that's grandma's house number. They might refer to your car by the license plate number. They might point out that all four seasons have exactly 6 letters in them (spring, summer, autumn, winter). I could go on and on with examples...

Kids with hypernumeracy think in numbers and quantify everything

7. Learn to count and do math early

I mentioned the early counting trait on the list of signs of hyperlexia in toddlers and babies. By the way, we're not talking about counting to ten here. We're talking large numbers and skip counting early. Stuff you don't expect a two year old to do.

However, kids with hypernumeracy go a step further than just learning to count. They start to do math early as well, which can range in abilities from multiplying/dividing, exploring fractions, learning about prime numbers, exploring complex shapes, and more.

The point here is that they'll count and do math well beyond what is expected for their age. And when I say well beyond, I mean well beyond...

Kids with hypernumeracy count and do math well beyond their age

Similar to hyperlexia where the advanced reading skills are apparent before age 5, the precocious math skills are apparent quite early in kids with hypernumeracy as well. You might notice these advanced skills at age 5 or 4 or 3 or 2...For us, it was around age two.

But most importantly, these skills are all self-taught, which leads me to my next point.

8. It's all self-taught

This trait is also an important one. We didn't drill them with flashcards or teach them how to do math. These kids simply pick up on it all on their own. It's all self-taught, just like the precocious reading ability in hyperlexia is. Math just comes easy to them.

Hypernumeracy is self-taught and precocious

A Summary of Hypernumeracy Traits

Whether you're a skim reader or you read everything above, here's a quick recap of all the unofficial traits of hypernumeracy that were discussed above:

  • They learn to identify and recognize numbers early
  • Their first words might be numbers
  • They have an intense fascination with numbers and math
  • Their play centers around numbers and math
  • They prefer number and math related toys
  • They think in numbers and quantify everything
  • They learn to count and do math early
  • It's all self-taught

A list of common traits and characteristics of hypernumeracy

The most common traits of hypernumeracy

Continue reading "Common Traits of Hypernumeracy"

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Free Bedtime Social Stories

A collection of free bedtime social stories. Printable and video social stories for kids about bedtime routines and sleeping are included below.

Many kids need a bit of extra support when it comes to bedtime routines and sleep schedules. They might need help getting ready for bed, remembering to go pee before bed, brushing their teeth, and so on.

Using a bedtime routine chart is a great starting point to helping your child get a good sleep. 

But, another great tool is to use a social story that explains why it's important to get a good night's sleep and outline bedtime routines. Don't worry, I've got you covered with these free bedtime social stories below.

Ideally, you want to write your own social story since everyone's bedtime routine looks a bit different. However, you can use the stories below as inspiration so you know what things you might want to include. So let's dig in!

Free social stories about bedtime routines and sleep

Free Bedtime Social Stories

Have you been looking for a social story about bedtime routines or sleep? Then look no further than these free printable 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 sleep 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. Sleep & Bedtime Social Stories from Happy Learners - Here you will find four text only social stories. No pictures are included. The topics covered here are I can go to sleep, my bedtime routine, sleep, and sleep routine.

2. Social Story About Getting Undressed & Bedtime Routine from Kat D on TPT - This story uses clipart and simple text. I do see a typo in the preview (of vs. off) and some terminology that you may or may not use (e.g., "take our tubbie!" for having a bath) so you might have to adapt the story. It does also reference diapers in the text.

3. Social Story: I Love to Sleep from Lindsey Hyland on TPT - This story might uses a clipart and it appears to be fairly detailed. It does come in PowerPoint format, which means you might be able to edit it. If you have a hyperlexic child who loves logos (it's a common interest!), there is a great page that features a Dreamworks logo which might appeal to them.

4. Sleep Social Story for Teens from Learning Opportunities on TPT - The format of this one is cool. It looks like a graphic novel! The story itself focuses on why it's important to go to bed and is geared towards older kids and teens.

5. Sleeping Editable Social Narrative from The Gift of Gab on TPT - This story is completely editable and does not come with images by the looks of things. But if you're looking for something you can customize, this might be the route to go.

6. I Can Fall Back Asleep: A Social Story from Coach Franny on TPT - Here's a social story that focuses on what kids can do when they wake up in the middle of the night. It uses colorful clipart.

7. Sleeping in My Bed Social Story from The Watson Institute - Scroll down the list to find the sleep related story. This particular story references Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh and is text only.

Video Social Stories About Bedtime Routines & Sleep

Here are some video social stories that talk about sleep and bedtime routines. You can use these in teletherapy sessions and/or at home. 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 with bedtime and sleep routines.

Need More Resources to Help with Bedtime Routines?

Using a visual schedule or routine chart alongside the above social stories is a great way to help with bedtime routines and sleep. 

While I do have a free printable bedtime visual routine chart available, you might be looking for something more detailed. Something with real pictures. That's where these visual supports come in handy!

You can use these bedtime visual supports to build a better sleep routine and customize it to your child's needs.

Morning & bedtime routine visual supports for kids

Click here to get a copy of the Bedtime Routine Visual Supports

Hopefully these bedtime social stories and visual supports are helpful to you. You can use them to maintain your current bedtime routine or to assist with starting a new bedtime routine. Either way, good luck!

Free social stories about bedtime routines and sleep

Continue reading "Free Bedtime Social Stories"

Thursday, March 09, 2023

Free Mario Word Scramble Printable for Kids

Looking for a quick Mario activity? This free printable Mario world scramble game is perfect for kids of all ages. Great for Mario Day or any other day of the year.

Mario Day is coming up on March 10th. 

Mar. 10 = MARIO. Get it?

Anyway, Mario Day is just one of those special days we celebrate in our house. After all, we all love Mario in this house. Hence, why we've done so many Mario activities and crafts over the years.

Below you will find a free Mario word scramble printable that's perfect for Mario Day. Or really for any day of the year when you have a little Mario fan like I do.

It's great to pair with this Mario scrabble math game or some of these Mario perler bead patterns.

Looking for a quick Mario activity? This free printable Mario world scramble game is perfect for kids of all ages.

Why Word Scramble Games are Good for Kids

Word scramble games are a great way for kids to work on vocabulary, spelling, language skills, working memory, problem-solving skills, writing, and so much more! There's a wide range of skills you could target here. Just get creative.

You can use free printable word scramble games like this one at home, in the classroom, or even on the road. Or you could use them in Zoom meetings for online learning (tips on how to do so here). They'd even make a great rainy day activity too!

Also, if you've been looking for other ideas on how to use your hyperlexic child's interests in letters, then word scramble games are a great fit. They definitely build off of a hyperlexic child's interest in letters. I mean the game is literally just a bunch of letters. Besides, using your hyperlexic child's interest to teach new skills is definitely something you should be doing - and something you'll hear me say a lot around here!

So anyway, if you're looking for a quick Mario activity, then give this Mario word scramble for kids a try.

Download the Mario Word Scramble Printable

This printable is three pages total. Two versions of the word scramble game are included (one with a word bank and one without the word list). Each game contains 20 Mario characters and items. An answer key is also included.

To get your copy of the Mario word scramble, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

Looking for a quick Mario activity? This free printable Mario world scramble game is perfect for kids of all ages.

Continue reading "Free Mario Word Scramble Printable for Kids"

Thursday, February 02, 2023

Free Social Stories About Going to the Doctor

A collection of free social stories about going to the doctor. Printable and video social stories for kids are included below. You'll find a variety of topics, specific types of appointments, stories in different languages, and so much more.

Does your child have a specific medical test or procedure coming up? 

Are they going for their annual checkup? 

Are they unsure about what to expect or feeling nervous? 

Well, these social stories are here to help!

Below you will find a variety of stories on medical related topics such as not feeling well, vaccinations, blood tests, checking your temperature, and specific types of appointments (EEGs, day surgery, heart surgery, and x-rays, for example). 

Stories about eye exams, however, are not included here. Instead you can find free social stories about going to the eye doctor here.

Keep in mind that your doctor's office, medical clinic, or hospital might have social stories of their own on their website. In case they don't, you can use one of these free social stories about going to the doctor. They're great tools for preparing your child (or yourself!) for an upcoming appointment.

Free social stories about going to the doctor

Free Social Stories About Going to the Doctor & Specific Medical Procedures or Tests

Have you been looking for a social story about doctor visits, vaccinations, and/or other medical procedures? Then look no further than these free printable study skills 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 doctor or medical 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 Doctor Social Story from ASERT - This story seems to cover an annual checkup, but could certainly be adapted for other needs. It uses clipart and has diverse characters shown. It includes mentions of playing with toys and getting a sticker at the end so geared more towards children.

2. Not Feeling Well Social Story from ASERT - There are three stories included here, as well as an animated story. One story covers some symptoms of feeling sick. A second story talks about telling a doctor about your symptoms. The third one is more COVID specific. All stories use colorful clipart.

3. Going to the Doctor Social Stories from Happy Learners - Here are two text only social stories about doctor visits. No images are included.

4. Blood Tests Social Stories from Happy Learners - Need to get a blood test done? These two text only social stories will be useful. No images are included.

5. Social Stories About Injections/Vaccinations from Happy Learners - Here you'll find three text only social stories about getting vaccinated. No images are included, which is especially nice for those who hate the sight of needles.

6. Going to the Doctor Social Story from Autism Little Learners - This story uses colorful clipart to talk about doctor appointments. It includes some diverse characters. It also comes with images for kids to point out what hurts or for the doctor to point out what they will be checking next during the appointment.

7. Being in the Hospital Social Story from Autism Little Learners - This story is geared towards a child who needs to have heart surgery. It uses colorful clipart and some diverse characters. It's available in both English and Turkish.

8. Social Story About Vaccinations from Autism Little Learners - Here's a story that talks about getting vaccinated. It uses colorful clipart and diverse characters. It's available in both English and Turkish.

9. Getting my Temperature Taken Story from Autism Little Learners - This story uses colorful clipart and diverse characters to talk kids through getting their temperature taken. The story is available in English, Turkish, and Afrikaans.

10. Going to See the Doctor Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - This story only includes one image so it's primarily text based. It covers a basic yearly checkup.

11. Medical Appointments Social Story Collection from Boston Medical Center - Need a social story in a different language? Need one for a specific procedure or doctor visit? Then look here. There are tons of topics covered here including blood draws, getting an allergy test, getting an x-ray, getting a cast, CAT scans, EKGs, riding in an ambulance, and so much more. These stories use clipart and are many come in multiple languages.

12. Medical Appointments & Procedures Social Story Collection from Mass General for Children - There are tons of social stories here. Topics include checking your height, drawing blood, getting a cast, getting an IV, getting stitches, x-rays, and so much more. If you need something specific, definitely check here.

13. My Hospital Story from Boston Children's Hospital - Need a personalized story? No problem! This website lets you enter your child's name and parent's name, select a specific hospital related topic (tons of options here!), and even if you want boy or girl artwork. Topics covered include sleep study, x-rays, casts, blood draws, EEGs, day surgery, neurology visits, and more.

14. Going to the Doctor Social Story from Autism Society Alberta - This story uses full color photos and simple text.

15. Having a Blood Test Social Story from Autism Society Alberta - This story uses a wide variety of clipart and one photo. I like that it provides proper names for some of the tools and equipment used.

16. Social Story About Going to the Doctor from Exceptionally Autism on Teachers Pay Teachers - It looks like this story uses clipart. Not much else about the story is provided in the description.

17. Getting Shots at the Doctor from Behavior Therapy and More on Teachers Pay Teachers - This story talks about getting a vaccination and uses a random assortment of clipart. It's available in PowerPoint so it should be editable.

18. Social Story: It's Okay to Go to the Hospital to Feel Better from Linda Walter on Teachers Pay Teachers - This story uses icon style clipart. It is in Word format so hopefully that means you can edit it too.

Video Social Stories About Doctor Visits

Here are some video social stories that talk about doctor visits and other medical appointments. You can use these in teletherapy sessions, social skills groups, and/or at home. 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 learning about going to the doctor's office.

Remember, there are likely tons of other free social stories about going to the doctor out there (it's impossible to find them all!). Your specific medical clinic or hospital may even have stories on their website. So be sure to check there as well.

Free social stories about going to the doctor

Continue reading "Free Social Stories About Going to the Doctor"