STRATEGIES:

When in doubt, Write it out!

Edited by the Executive Board of the Canadian Hyperlexia Association

The rule of thumb for many parents of children with hyperlexia is:

WHEN IN DOUBT, WRITE IT OUT. If it isn't written, it may not exist

LABEL EVERYTHING!
Make signs. Label people, things, places, actions, emotions, and pictures thereof.

KEEP LISTS, CALENDARS, JOURNALS!
Write schedules/routines (morning preparation for school) Post household rules on location (take off your shoes, wash your hands) .

List behavioural expectations and strategies. (No hitting. Use words. Say "I feel...when...", When I feel angry, I stop and take a deep breath).

ANTICIPATE stressful situations such as changes, specific fears and aversions, and use the above strategies to PREPARE your child.

USE PATTERNED LANGUAGE!
Use patterned language to teach specific language concepts:

If ------, then ------. Why? Because ------.

USE OPEN-ENDED SENTENCES!
Have your child fill in the blank. "The remote control is in the ------" Instead of "Where is the remote control?"

OFFER CHOICES AND MODEL ANSWERS!
"Would you like chips or cookies? I would like ------, please."

WRITE DOWN AND PRACTISE APPROPRIATE THINGS TO SAY IN COMMON SOCIAL SITUATIONS!
"How are you?" "Fine thanks, and how are you?"

WRITE DOWN & PRACTISE RULES OF CONVERSATION
"Make eye contact."

"Take turns when speaking."

Do you have your own strategies to share?
Please send them along so we can share them with others.