Does anyone have a child who is similar to mine?

[bee169]

My DS is nearly 6 yrs old and has ASD. He started to read at 18months and can even spell . But still cannot talk.

Even if I say 'hello DS' he will say 'hello DS' basic understanding like go and get your shoes is a struggle

I know about the 'spikey profile' but I just can't get my head around this. I have been waiting for language to develope but the only thing that seems to be developing is his level of anxiety. I know he must be frustrated but after the 1000th meltdown this morning, I am starting to get frustrated myself.

Sorry for the whinge - I just feel like everything is a monumental effort to take half a step forward. I am just hoping someone out there is in the same boat - I am feeling really alone at the mo

I don't think I'm quite in the same boat, but perhaps on one not too far away! My DS (aged 4) has not been diagnosed with ASD and I suspect he wont be, because although he has some autistic traits they are mild.

My DS can talk and has a good vocabulary, but conversation is very hard. Huge amounts of what he says are lifted word for word from cbeebies programs. But he can read near fluently and can spell most simple/short words. I know what you mean about struggling to get your head around it. I continually ask myself how can a child who can barely string a sentence together be able to read?!

He was late growing out of his toddler tantrums, but has just about got there. What I'm struggling with at the moment is the attitude of his class teacher, who doesn't seem to accept that he has a communicaton problem and just considers him 'naughty' if he doesn't follow instructions. Because he can read so well and because he memorises huge chunks of dialogue from TV programs his speech can sound quite sophisticated - I feel like I'm endlessly explaining that that fancy comment he came out with was actually lifted from Abney and Teal and he may not actually have a clue what it means.

Thanks Asheth , I think I am just exhausted as I have been trying all sorts of ways to help him but non of them seem to make any difference. He is just not wired that way. DS is statemented so the school recognise his issues (unfortunately there are so many!)

I think this a little odd - even for the spectrum!!

Hi my friend has a son with ASD, learning difficulties and Hyperlexia.
Although he can read far beyond his years & at playgroup could read (he would pick up the childrens name cards & give them out to the correct child over & over again) he actually has very little understanding of those words in the context of a book or story.
His auditory processing is very poor so she does use brief bullet point cards with a simple instruction.
So when she wants him to get his coat, his card says GET COAT. She uses the skills he has to help.
I've tried to copy below an extract from an article that indicates that it is often associated with autism

Hyperlexia— precocious reading ability in very young children—can present itself in several ways. In one group some “normal” (neurotypical is the proper term these days) children simply read early; they may be reading at a sixth grade level at age 3 for example with no behavioral or other concerns. Eventually their classmates catch up in reading skills, but such advanced reading at a very early age understandably draws attention. This form of “hyperlexia” is not a disorder; it does not require treatment. These children, usually very bright, go on to have very typical, successful lives. I refer to this group as Hyperlexia I.

A second group of children who read early are some with autistic disorder where the hyperlexia is in fact sometimes viewed as a savant-like “splinter skill” associated with the autism. These children have other signs and symptoms of Autistic Disorder and the early reading is but one facet of that more pervasive disorder. Intervention and treatment in this group is directed at the underlying Autistic Disorder. However the precocious reading ability can itself be a valuable treatment tool for teaching language and social skills and should not be marginalized or disregarded as unimportant or frivolous. I refer to this group as Hyperlexia II. Unfortunately, as I will point out, some clinicians and other specialists hold that when precocious reading ability is present, and when coupled with comprehension, language and social difficulties, it is always part of an autistic spectrum disorder. I do not subscribe to that view.
etc etc

Hi mymate,

Good to hear from you. How old is your friends son? Is he still in nursery? He sounds so similar to my own- I am happy to hear that someone can relate.

I am interestedin the article you have posted. Where is it from? Do you know how socials skills are taught using reading ability??

sorry bee, my friends son is 10 now, still has very good reading skills, his language is developing now too.
Social skills, mmmm don't think they've thought about that one too much :)

As for the article, I just remembered reading about Hyperlexia when it was first identified in my friends son so googled it & it was the first of many articles listed.