Hyperlexia
“Hyperlexia is a syndrome in which the main characteristics are an above normal ability to read coupled with a below normal ability to understand spoken language. Hyperlexia appears to be different from what is known as hypergraphia, the urge or compulsion to write, although as with many mental conditions or quirks it is possible that this is more a matter of opinion than strict science. Often, hyperlexic children will have a precocious ability to read but will learn to speak only by rote and heavy repetition, and may also have difficulty learning the rules of language from examples or from trial and error, which may result in social problems.
“Children with hyperlexia may recite the alphabet as early as 18 months, and have the ability to read words by age two and sentences by age three. Many are overly fascinated with books, letters, and numbers. Often their ability is looked at in a positive light, so many parents delay their children receiving help because they believe that their child may be a struggling genius.”
Source: “Hyperlexia.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 7 Jan 2006, 01:13 UTC. 6 Feb 2006, 01:36
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hyperlexia&oldid=34186247
