What Is Hyperlexia? How a Neurodivergent Speech Therapist in NYC Supports Different Learning Styles

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Sally.

One day Sally’s mom was in the kitchen crafting her favorite brownie and ice cream dessert – she’s a fantastic baker!

But she was dismayed – she could not find her special cinnamon spice blend!

Well – out of a hundred spices – little Sally – picked out the cinnamon and handed it straight to her mother.

Her mother was shocked! Sally was only two years old!

That’s the day her mother realized that her two year old child could read!

This early and advanced level of reading is what we have termed hyperlexia.

What is Hyperlexia?

Hyperlexia refers to the presence of advanced reading skills.

A child with hyperlexia acquires early reading skills with the absence of explicit instruction or teaching.
A child with hyperlexia may be drawn to letters during early pretend play scenarios.
A child with hyperlexia may enjoy exploring letters and combining them into different combinations .
Hyperlexia is a strong indicator of a common neurodivergent learning style.

Who Coined the Term Hyperlexia?

The term “hyperlexia” was coined in 1967 by Silberberg and Silberberg (1968), Silberberg and Silberberg (1967).

There are four salient features in hyperlexia:

The presence of an accompanying learning difference.
Advanced reading skills in relation to comprehension skills.
An early acquisition of reading skills without explicit instructions.
A strong interest in reading. (Needleman, 1982).

Why is Understanding Hyperlexia Important in Neuro-Affirming Care?

This is an important concept to understand.

As parents, caregivers and therapists we can use this reading strength to help achieve communication success!

Here are a few of the many ways I capitalize on a child’s hyperlexic abilities – leading to a path of communication success!

During my speech therapy sessions at Chatty Child we use a child’s hyperlexic abilities to target areas of speech and language concern.

We often read books, short stories, plays, articles, menus, game instructions, and how to guide books – you name it – we will read it!

We use these reading skills to improve a child’s:

Reading Comprehension – by asking questions about the target materials.
Conversational Skills – by engaging in a conversational volley about the target text.
Flexibility of Thinking – by encouraging different perspective taking.
Speech Fluency – improving speech fluency though public speaking exercises and debate skills.
Speech Articulation – improving speech clarity through natural speaking opportunities.

As neuroaffirming therapists, parents, caregivers and supporters we can use this advanced ability to read – as a pathway to successful learning and thriving!

I invite all my readers to reframe how you think and talk about hyperlexia.

I invite us all to not pathologize this skill of hyperlexia and instead embrace it by using it as an avenue to communication growth and success!

Many hyperlexic and neurodivergent children segway into successful creative careers in the arts including: music, film, writing and visual arts.

What’s one of the funniest things your child has read to you?

Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP

Is your child Hyperlexic?

Chatty Child’s creative and neuro-affirming speech therapists are here to support and guide you.

Chatty Child’s expert speech and language therapy may be the missing piece to the puzzle!

Is your child hyperlexic?

Working with a speech-language pathologist could be the support you’ve been looking for – don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We are an experienced team of speech-language pathologists who can help create a tailored made program for your neuro-diverse learner.

If you are ready to experience the difference in neuroaffirming care today – reach out to the Chatty Child Team today – we are here to help you navigate this path.

We offer personalized neurodivergent affirming, speech, language, feeding and occupational therapy therapy,

as well as creative mindfulness classes for all ages and abilities.

In person and online options are available for all therapeutic sessions and classes.

Our speech and occupational therapists are here to support all your child’s therapeutic needs.

I invite you to schedule a tour – to discover the support waiting for your child – at Chatty Child.

We are here to help and support your child – grow and learn!

Let’s create excellent communicators, confident voices, calm minds, and limitless possibilities – together!

Begin Children’s Speech and Occupational Therapy for Learning Success:

At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves to feel capable, confident at school, at home, and in the community. If your child is struggling here is how to get started:

Contact us or call 347.491.4451 for a free 15-minute conversation to discuss the classroom challenges your child is facing and how speech therapy can help.
Schedule a comprehensive evaluation that may include school observations to understand your child’s needs in their actual learning environment.
Begin individualized therapy sessions with goals focused on the skills that support classroom success—from auditory processing to executive functioning to speaking confidence.
Collaborate with your child’s therapeutic team through regular communication, team meetings, and shared strategies that create consistency across home and school.

Your child doesn’t need to struggle alone. With the right support, they can build the communication skills and confidence that makes learning joyful, friendships easier, and confidence possible.

Holistic Speech, Feeding & Occupational Therapy Services for Children in NYC

At Chatty Child, we support children as they develop the communication, cognitive, and social-emotional skills that help them thrive at home, in school, and in their community. Our approach looks at the whole child, recognizing that language development is deeply connected to learning, relationships, and self-confidence.

Our services include:

Speech Therapy – Individualized, play-based support for language development, speech clarity, social communication, and everyday confidence.
InterAct – A storytelling and play-centered program that strengthens language, imagination, and connection through shared narrative experiences.
Mindfulness classes for all ages – support for emotional, sensory and self regulation, curated classes using mindfulness and meditation practices
Occupational Therapy – Support for sensory processing, motor development, and independence in daily routines and self-care skills.
hum studios – Mindfulness and compassion-based classes that foster emotional awareness, regulation, and accessibility for children of all ages.
Teletherapy – Flexible virtual speech and occupational therapy services available throughout New York State.
Tutoring – Personalized academic support focused on reading, writing, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
Functional Nutrition – Developmental support strategies that use nutrition-informed approaches to support regulation, attention, and overall well-being.
Consulting – Collaborative guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators to support consistency across home, school, and community environments.
Group Programs – Small-group sessions that build communication, social interaction, and emotional skills through guided peer engagement.

Meet Heather Boerner, Trusted Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist & Feeding Specialist in NYC

Heather Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed, nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over 23 years of experience supporting children through pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her clinical work is shaped by training in mindfulness, a trauma-informed perspective, and her lived experience as a neurodiverse, differently-abled individual. These elements inform her deeply responsive, whole-child and neuro-affirming approaches to care.

Motivated by her personal journey, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC. The practice is built on creativity, collaboration, and individualized support. She works closely with schools through classroom observations and team meetings to ensure children receive consistent, coordinated care. Heather is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book created to encourage confidence, curiosity, and connection.

Heather and her team offer in-person therapy at the Tribeca clinic and virtual services throughout New York State. Together, they help children build the communication skills, confidence, and self-advocacy abilities they need to thrive in school and beyond.