Is this an example of "hyperlexia"?

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Currently in the frightening process of self-diagnosing adult Aspergers. Aspie Quiz and so forth strongly suggest present-day AS. However I know that to receive a diagnosis of AS it must be present from early childhood, therefore I recently obtained my elementary school records to search for clues.

The following passage from my kindergarten reading assessment (which showed 70% comprehension of 6th grade materials, as high as the test went) intrigued me:

Is that an example of what's meant by "hyperlexia"? To further illustrate I have strong memories of reading the Bible, Lord of the Rings, etc. cover-to-cover at a very young age, younger than I could have conceivably grokked the subtext/meaning. My parents also tell me that I memorized entire Dr. Seuss books before I actually learned to read and invented a new language called "Dragon" with consistent vocabulary, grammar, syntax, etc. (Mom is a reading specialist so she notices these things) for communicating with my imaginary friends (who were not dragons; very strange).

Are there other things I should be looking for in my transcripts/teacher reports/psych eval [yes my parents took me to see one... but AS did not exist as a diagnosis when I was a kid] that would be helpful in retroactive self-diagnosis? Conversely are there any clues that would strongly DISprove childhood AS?

ps One other example of how my brain worked back then, I was asked to draw a person and give him a name. Next to my distorted human figure, in the teacher's handwriting: "His name is 'do you know what his name is?'" in other words I answered by parroting the teacher's question!

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me!

Last edited by mushroo on 30 Mar 2012, 5:45 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Word-reading far above reading comprehension is consistent with hyperlexia. So is strong memory, visual and auditory. Echolalia is common in the speech of children with hyperlexia. These things, I read on Internetz.

I don't know about inventing your own language, but that is purrrty qoool. I didn't read anything in your post to preclude AS.

Thanks for the reply btbnnyr, wish I remembered the Dragon language so I could share it with you.

I do have a very strong memory for certain things (for example I could go on for hours about dinosaurs, and I have amazing recall of Monty Python skits or pop songs; used to play a game where, given a word, I'd sing a song containing that word, sometimes right in the middle of class/church!) but not others (when I am reading a novel I can't always keep the characters straight--been reading LotR for over 30 years and still get Merry and Pippin mixed up ; or, if I meet a stranger on the street, 5 minutes later I wouldn't be able to say what color your eyes are or even remember what your face looks like necessarily).

First, I am puzzled at your statement about being frightened by the chance of being diagnosed as being on the spectrum. It was a relief to me when I finally found out what was wrong with me. Also, Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are not retardation. Occasionally someone on the spectrum will also be comorbid with retardation, but it is not a regular part of spectrum disorders. Things like schizophrenia, and schizoid disorder are also not an automatic part of spectrum disorders, but can be comorbid with it. I have AvPD (Avoident Personality Disorder), and possibly EFD (Executive Function Disorder), as comorbid with my Asperger's, but I am not ret*d or suffering from any of the schizoid disorders.

Being able to do advanced reading and vocabulary, etc. in itself is not a sign of being on the Autism/Asperger's spectrum. However many on the spectrum do excel in areas of personal interest to them.

You mentioned a lot of stuff to do with reading and vocabulary, but nothing about any other possible spectrum traits. Spectrum disorders are caused by a neurological condition. Traits tend to include physical, social, and some mental health issues.

Do you have any physical sensitivities: sound, touch, taste, smell, bright lights, skin sensitivities?

Do you have trouble processing mental input and output? This often leads to a time delay in our responses.

Do you have any motor skills problems?

Do you have trouble making eye contact?

Do you have trouble reading social cues or relating to other people?

Do you try to avoid social situations?

Do you suffer from depression or other similar mental health issues?

Do you have melt downs or shut downs?

There are many other traits that are possible on the spectrum, but I can't remember everything off the top of my flat head.

You need to do some research, and if you feel a formal diagnosis is necessary, then see a psych doc who deals with spectrum disorders.

I am the first to admit that my life is far from great, but it is also not the end of the world to be on the spectrum. Life is hard, but I have coping mechanisms.

So stop panicking and do some research. Knowing more about this will be better than fretting about the boogey man under the bed. Just park a pix of Chuck Norris under the bed, and one in the closet. The boogey men and the monsters in the closet are afraid of him!

Thank you for your kind reply questor. I do indeed have most of the traits you list (happy to go into detail if you like but it would not be a short list ); I was specifically discussing the hyperlexia in this thread because it is a new concept to me. Maybe I will start a new thread about the other stuff; what is the board etiquette on "help me diagnose myself!" threads??

The main reason I am researching AS is that, despite high IQ and excellent education, I haven't done very well as an adult. Looking back, I do not see the "normal" pattern of deciding what to do with my life, setting goals, working toward those goals in an organized strategy. (Is this what's meant by "executive function"?) I would rather be left alone to my own special interests than get a good job, make a lot of money, or be acknowledged by society for my achievements. I have a very difficult time self-promoting and advocating for myself; for example I know intellectually that to get a job, I'm supposed to network and send out resumes, but deep down I feel that other people should KNOW how smart I am and I expect society to provide me with a job without my needing to ask. Why can't they SEE what's inside my head? As a result I end up completely task-paralyzed and retreat into my special interests. Another example, I love music (it is my favorite way to socialize because I can be a valued part of a group without the social awkwardness of chit-chat, small talk, eye contact) but am afraid I completely lack the social/networking skills necessary to become a professional musician.

As a result of all this I've become under-employed, socially isolated, and struggled with depression/alcohol/drugs (doing a little better now thankfully). I guess my fear of being diagnosed (to finally get around to answering your question) is that I will stop trying and give up on the things that are difficult for me (but important) like: leaving the house, making friends, having a career, etc. Also my family is having a difficult time accepting this; I think they think (but it is hard for me to know what others think) that I am lazy or a stoner; I wish they could see inside my brain buzzing with good intentions and well-laid plans that just never materialize into reality. It's almost like, by imagining performing a task I need to do, my brain checks it off the to-do list, and it never gets done in the real world. Does that make any sense?

Back to the hyperlexia for a moment, the good news is that I leveraged it into an English degree and make juuust enough working part-time as an editor and writer to live independently. But I know that's not my full potential; I wish I could harness all that chaotic mental energy to land a dream job or write a best seller...

I started another thread about the other stuff so we can keep this on-topic to the hyperlexia.

http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt194241.html

Well, I'm sure you will!! But I'd say to PLEASE see a neuro-psych!! ! I also "self diagnosed myself," rather, I already had a hunch, (so it was basically just research?) so when I, too, actually got diagnosed, I thought it wouldn't be much of a shock?- but as time went on, it started to bother me, because it meat that, sure[i][/i], it meant I was able to be more skilled in art, but less in making & maintaining friends/friendships! But my parents & I have a Autism treatment clinic in mind!

The quote alone is an example of hyperlexia In the above quote, you were able to "read" the word, but not describe the concept. This is often described as neurotypical hyperlexia (and without knowing more, I would leave it at that).

I hope this helps.

_Bloom

Touché!

The DSM gives the description of it in regards to autism, though my memory isn't complete, it goes something like:

The ability to read above one's level of understanding; a little kid reading a book out aloud without actually knowing what she is reading

Kinda like the direct opposite of calendar calculation (see: movie Rain Man doing the mathematical tricks without understanding it at all when a practical concept such as currency with objects is applied).

A vivid memory from 1st grade is discovering the F-word on the bathroom wall and gleefully demonstrating my new vocabulary word to anyone who'd listen; not knowing its meaning or understanding the concept of "bad words." My parents got a call from the principal that day.

I REALLY think you should wait & get tested, like I did, and see what a psych or a neuro-psych says/thinks?! !!

Good suggestion. I understand you are not a believer in self-diagnosis? How do I find a good neuro-psych, what do I say when I call, what happens when I go there? Does it go on my permanent medical record, should I worry I might face discrimination?

It helps me a lot just being here on these forums with everyone.

Look at some of my other posts.