Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional Does Hyperlexia = Gifted?

Do children with Hyperlexia usually turn out to be gifted?I ask because I have a 2.5yo son who has been diagnosed with Autism and Hyperlexia (reading since before 18 months). My 3.5yo daughter was given an IQ test and identified as gifted which makes me wonder even more about my son and if he is too. With her it's so much more obvious but because of the language issues with my son, I just can't tell.

I know of children that are hyperlexic and gifted as well as some that are cognitively delayed. I think you would need to look at a many aspects of cognition and talent to determine whether one was gifted. Also keep in mind that IQ tests can be very fluid at a young age. Even if your son did not test as gifted at 2.5 years does not mean that he might never develop the aptitude in the areas that would qualify him as gifted. And yes - language issues might affect testing/assessment.

By definition, people who are hyperlexic aren't comprehending what they read, just decoding. It's usually described as a "splinter skill" unrelated to giftedness.

However, as your son develops, and as you remediate his languge skills and his autism, you'll know more about what he can do... there's nothing that precludes giftedness there either.

DeeDee

Thanks! He has not been tested yet (sorry if I did not clarify that) though I know the psychiatrist and his therapists are anxious for the day he can be. He is beginning to pick up language and show some excitement when he does finally make a connection with a word he reads.