Hyperlexia is defined as the ability of an individual to recognize words at a level superior to that predicted by their age and measured intellectual ability, which is significantly better than their reading comprehension. The prevalence of hyperlexia is unknown, but as with most developmental disorders, it occurs three to four times as often in males.
Early development of advanced reading skills without associated skills in other areas of social or intellectual functioning. Hyperlexia is considered a typical splinter skill in children with autistic disorders.