Is Hyperlexia a Form of Autism?

Answering the commonly asked question: is hyperlexia a form of autism?

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When something such as hyperlexia is relatively unknown and unfamiliar to most people, it's not surprising to have a lot of questions about it. 

I mean, there's barely any information out there on hyperlexia. 

Granted, there's more now than there was many years ago and more and more people are starting to write and share about it, which is awesome.

I've noticed that a lot of the questions I receive focus on trying to understand how hyperlexia and autism are similar or different. One such question that I get asked a lot is: is hyperlexia a form of autism?

So that's what we'll be covering here.

Is Hyperlexia a Form of Autism?

In short, no. 

The label of hyperlexia is most often paired with an autism diagnosis so it's easy to think it might just be another characteristic or a specific type of autism.

But that's not the case. 

Hyperlexia is not a form of autism. 

Instead, hyperlexia is its own group of characteristics and traits.

Having said that, some of the characteristics of hyperlexia often overlap with other diagnostic labels. For instance, you will notice quite a few overlapping traits between autism and hyperlexia such as echolalia, unusual social skills, and difficulties with language. But there are a few key differences that also separate the two. The precocious reading ability, for example, would be one such difference that is the hallmark of hyperlexia and not a specific autism trait.

It's also important to remember that hyperlexia is not a standalone diagnosis. So usually the only way to officially receive the "diagnosis" of hyperlexia on paper, is to get it "diagnosed" alongside something else. That something else is often autism, but can be a variety of other diagnoses such as a pervasive developmental disorder or an expressive language disorder.

So to sum things up, hyperlexia is its own separate condition or syndrome, just like autism is its own separate condition. That means you could be hyperlexic, but not autistic. Just like you could be autistic, but not hyperlexic.

Free Printable List of Chat Rules & Texting Etiquette for Tweens & Teens

A free printable poster of chat room rules and texting etiquette for tweens and teens.

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My son is using Google Hangouts to chat with classmates as part of his online schooling this year. Since this is really his first time using a messaging platform of any kind (he doesn't have a cell phone or anything), I wanted to set him up for success.

Obviously, the list of rules and etiquette I share below isn't a comprehensive one by any means, but it is a good starting point to help set some boundaries and expectations for using something that is new to him. 

Please note that I don't have tips pertaining to sharing photos or private information across chat on this list as that is something his class had already discussed together during the first couple of days as school.

Instead, my focus was more on the hidden aspects of social communication and the specific rules of etiquette that many teachers and parents might not mention or might not think would be important to discuss with their kids.

For instance, I noticed he was chatting with a classmate while the teacher was talking or he was sending long lists of the same emoji over and over again. And I've noticed in Zoom chats, both now and back in the spring, that a lot of his classmates would send just random words over chat. Usually the word reeeeeeeeeeee, whatever that means...So that's my inspiration for this little printable.

Anyway, here is the list of chat rules and texting etiquette that I came up with him. A free printable poster is also included because, after all, with a hyperlexic child, if it's not written down, it might not exist to them.

10 Chat Rules & Texting Etiquette for Tweens & Teens

1. Be kind.

2. Stay on topic and keep it appropriate.

3. Send messages when you think the person will be awake, which is usually after 8:00 AM, but before 9:00 PM.

4. No chatting or messaging during class time, especially when the teacher is talking, unless it is required for partner or group work.

5. Acronyms like LOL and OMG are okay to use, but try to stick to using real words and phrases.

6. Emojis are great to use too, but 1 or 2 emojis are more than enough at a time.

7. You can also send stickers or GIFs, but keep them relevant to the topic and stick to using just one at a time.

8. Don't click on unfamiliar links. You can always ask a trusted adult to find out if the links are okay to click.

9. Stop messaging if the person asks you to stop or tells you that they are busy.

10. If the person doesn't respond after 1 or 2 messages, stop messaging to give them time to respond. They might be busy or unable to respond right now.

Download the Free Printable Poster of Chat Rules & Texting Etiquette

This one page printable is designed to look like a real chat thread (I'll be honest, I spent waaaay too much time making it look that way, but so worth it!) and outlines the 10 tips from above.

To get a copy of this printable, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Alphabet Themed Ideas for Simon Says

Looking for ideas for Simon Says? Try these alphabet themed Simon Says ideas for kids and be sure to grab a copy of the free printable list.

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Simon Says is a classic childhood game that has lots of benefits. It can help with body awareness, vocabulary, following directions, giving directions (if they get to be Simon!), listening and paying attention, sequencing (if you give multiple commands in one), and motor development. Just to name a few.

Essentially, playing Simon Says is a quick and easy way to work on a variety of social skills.

Now, when it comes to hyperlexic kids, it's best to use their interest (usually letters!) to entice them to try new things and work on new skills. 

This list of alphabet themed Simon Says ideas is a perfect way to encourage them to join in and play because it combines their love for letters into a game, all while sneakily working on important skills.

Simon Says Ideas for Each Letter of the Alphabet

Here are 26 ideas for Simon Says, one for each letter of the alphabet. You'll also find a free printable list below.

1. Arms up

2. Balance on one foot

3. Clap your hands

4. Downward dog pose

5. Eyes closed

6. Flex your muscles

7. Give a thumbs up

8. High five someone

9. Imitate an animal (could be a noise or how they walk)

10. Jump up and down

11. Kick your legs

12. Lift your shoulders up towards your ears

13. March in one spot

14. Nod your head

15. Open your mouth wide

16. Pat your belly

17. Quietly shush (could even place a finger over their mouth as they shush)

18. Run in place

19. Stomp your feet

20. Touch your toes

21. Unicorn horn (use your hands to form a horn on your head)

22. Victory dance

23. Wave hello

24. X with your arms (cross your arms to form an X)

25. Y pose (stand with legs together and then arms out to form a Y)

26. Zigzag walk

Download the Free Printable List of Ideas for Simon Says

This one page printable outlines 26 alphabet themed ideas for Simon Says. For each letter of the alphabet, there's a bright colorful letter paired with an idea that starts with that letter (e.g., P = pat your belly).

To get a copy of this printable, click the link below:

>> Click here to download this free printable

 

Teach Kids How to Play Simon Says with this Social Story!

Does your child need a bit of help understanding the rules of the game? Perhaps this Simon Says social story can help!

Click here to get your copy of the Simon Says social story

The ABCs of Problem Solving Steps {Free Printable Included!}

Teach kids and teens (or adults too!) the steps to solving a problem with this free printable ABCs of problem solving poster chart.

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Knowing how to solve a problem is just one of many social skills kids, teens, and adults need to learn. 

There are a few steps involved in problem solving so it's always good to have a visual cue that breaks down the different steps, especially for autistic and hyperlexic individuals who find visual supports particularly helpful.

And, since the alphabet is kind of our thing around here, I want to share the ABCs of problem solving with you. Well, actually it's more like the ABCDE of problem solving, but whatever, close enough. 

Regardless, this is an example of how you can take your hyperlexic child's interest (letters) and use it to teach new skills (problem solving). Something I discuss here.

5 Steps to Solving a Problem

Here's how to use the ABCs of problem solving:

Step 1: Ask

This step is all about asking yourself the following questions:

• Is there a problem?

• What is the problem?

• How big is the problem?

If you ask the first question and determine that there really isn't a problem, then there's nothing you need to do. 

But, if you do determine there is a problem, then you need to clearly identify what the problem is and determine the size of the problem. Knowing the size of the problem will help you determine, in later steps, if it's a problem that can be tackled on your own or if you might need some help.

Step 2: Brainstorm

For this step, you need to come up with different possible solutions and ideas for how to best solve the problem. Write down everything you can think of. 

Step 3: Choose

This step is all about picking one solution to try. Ask, "What solution will best solve my problem?" Then go through the list of ideas you came up with in the brainstorming stage and pick one that you want to try or that you think makes the most sense for the problem. 

Step 4: Do it

Here's where you actively attempt to solve the problem. This is where you take the solution you picked in step 3 and use it.

Step 5: Evaluate

Now it is time to evaluate your results. Did your strategy or solution work? If yes, then celebrate!

If not, then you need to evaluate why it didn't work. Then use that information to help you pick a new strategy or solution from step 3. This step isn't about quitting when one solution doesn't work. It's about asking yourself, "What can I try next?"

Remember, there is a free problem solving printable available below.

Download the Free Printable Problem Solving Chart

This one page printable outlines the five problem solving steps from above. It includes a colorful letter for each step, a title, and a short description of what to do. I highly recommend laminating for durability.

To get a copy of this free printable, click the link below:

>> Click here to download this free printable

 

Free Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Printables

Go on an alphabet scavenger hunt with your kids using these six different alphabet scavenger hunt printables.

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When my hyperlexic son was little, it was hard to get him outside some days. But I could often entice him outdoors by using his interest in letters or his interest in math and numbers. Case in point: this paper plate alphabet scavenger hunt activity where we searched for letters on license plates.

So whether your kid is a letter-loving hyperlexic kid like mine or not, these alphabet scavenger hunt printables offer lots of fun ways to keep track of what you find on your hunts. 

About These Free Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Printables

There are lots of different ways to do alphabet scavenger hunts. And there's lots of different ways to keep track of what you find on said scavenger hunts. That's why you'll find six variations in this set of printables.

There is one page where kids can write down the names of the objects that they see for each letter. Or they can check off items for each letter on another page.

Two tracing pages are also included - one for uppercase and one for lowercase - where kids can trace the letters as they find objects that start with that letter.

And finally, there are two pages - one uppercase and one lowercase - where kids can simply color the letters as they find objects for those letters.

You can laminate them so they can be used over and over again. Or simply print and go!

Download the Free Alphabet Scavenger Hunts

This printable is six pages long as it includes six variations: writing, check boxes, tracing uppercase, tracing lowercase, coloring uppercase, and coloring lowercase.

Feel free to pick which one best suits your needs. I highly recommend laminating for durability and pairing with a dry erase marker, depending on which version you choose.

To get a copy of this printable, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable