Semantic Pragmatic Language Disorder and Hyperlexia     HYPERLEXIA: Hyperlexia is a syndrome observed in children who have the following characteristics: A precocious ability to read words, far above what would be expected at their chronological age or an intense fascination with letters or numbers. Significant difficulty in understanding verbal language Abnormal social skills, difficulty in socializing and interacting appropriately with people In addition, some children who are hyperlexic may exhibit the following characteristics: Learn expressive language in a peculiar way, echo ro memorize the sentence structure without understanding the meaning (echolalia), reverse pronouns Rarely initiates conversations An intense need to keep routines, difficulty with transitions, ritualistic behavior Auditory, olfactory and/or tactile sensitivity Self-stimulatory behavior specific, unusual fears Normal development until 18-24 months, then regression strong auditory and visual memory Difficulty answering "Wh--" questions, such as "what," "where," "who," and "why" Think in concrete and literal terms, difficulty with abstract concepts Listen selectively, appear to be deaf LINKS:  American Hyperlexia Association Hyperlexia and Language Disorders Center for Speech and Language Disorders Links to other information on Hyperlexia                SEMANTIC PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE DISORDER: Children with SPLD (called semantic-pragmatic disorder (SPD) in some literature) have a language disorder that affects both semantic processing (Semantics is the aspect of language function that relates to understanding the meanings of words, phrases and sentences, and using words appropriately when we speak) and the pragmatics of language use (Pragmatics is the area of language function that embraces the use of language in social contexts (knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it - and how to "be" with other people)).  Some authorities see SPLD as part of the autism spectrum of disorders while others see it purely as a language disorder. LINKS: Semantic Pragmatic Disorders Webpage Semantic Pragmatic Disorder Forum Articles on SPLD and related disorders