Hyperlexia from a personal point of view: Some counselor's insights (original) (raw)

In this article, I discussed my experiences and opinions as a gifted counsellor, on Hyperlixia, an important exceptionality that remains mysterious, within the framework of the opinions of experts in this field. First of all, I explained that Hyperlexia and Hypercalculi also occur in gifted people and the approach of families. Then, I reviewed the course of Hyperlexia and Hypercalculia research. Here, I explained the lack of definitive and angular diagnostic criteria, as well as the possibilities of determining the existing signs of these two exceptionaities. Then, I included the definitions of experts in the last 30-40 years on the definition of hyperlexia and hypercalculia, as well as the discussion at what age this diagnosis should be made. I gained insight from research on the prevalence of hyperlexia in society and its distribution by gender. In this study I have presented a personal point of view, that of a counselor, on hyperlexia, a phenomenon not very well known among education and mental health professionals, and much less among the public. In my opinion, this knowledge can serve very many children who are either not identified for autism or identified much later had they not have hyperlexia, which, in many cases, serves as a mask, covering the poor or even non-existence of the child's social abilities, and serves as a "reason", "explanation" for his or her repetitive behavior. I have concentrated in five aspects of hyperlexia – not necessarily those perceived as "the most important" but those which help the potential reader "make sense" of the seemingly contradictions characterizing it: very high reading ability at a very young age, perceived as a characteristic – even as a "proof" of precocity or giftedness, along with social disability and repetitive behaviors, typical to autist which are perceived as having low intelligence level.