Hyperlexia in a patient with autistic disorder and its hypothesis

Authors

  • Leonardo Baldaçara Santa Casa de São Paulo; Centro de Atenção Integrada à Saúde Mental
  • Luciana P. C. Nóbrega Universidade de São Paulo
  • Sérgio K. Tengan Santa Casa de São Paulo; Centro de Atenção Integrada à Saúde Mental; setor de Psiquiatria Infantil
  • Anne K. Maia Santa Casa de São Paulo; Centro de Atenção Integrada à Saúde Mental; setor de Psiquiatria Infantil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832006000500007

Keywords:

Autistic disorder, hyperlexia, reading, communication

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the early neural mechanisms of the reading ability. Children with autism spectrum, in rare occasions, present advanced reading abilities. In spite of their severe difficulties in language reception and expression, those children can identify words printed as young as for the 18 months of age without any explicit instruction. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a six year-old child with history of autism who, in spite of severe difficulties in communication, began to read at the age of three. We discuss some theories supporting this association. CONCLUSION: Deficiencies in the development of language and communication are definition criteria for autism. Hyperlexia is uncommon, but when present should be taken into account for the diagnosis. The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood and there is a limited number of studies that in addition to other studies in progress, will help to ellucidate the neurobiology of this symptom.

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Published

2006-01-01

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 5 (2006)

Section

Case Reports

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Hyperlexia in a patient with autistic disorder and its hypothesis . (2006). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(5), 268-271. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832006000500007