Is this normal (ST question)??? | Autism PDD

My son is hyperlexic and could read by himself at the age of 2. He learnt because I read to him constantly as that was his favourite activity. Of course it was only alphabet and numnber books. They were the only ones he would allow me to read. It did help that he could read. We could use the written word to help with improving language etc. In fact the therapy organisation we use has now for some years been using compic to help a child to speak more. It is truly amazing how effective it is.

We taught the verbs initially using compic and pictures. Compic is a line drawing of something with the word underneath. So a photo of someone running coupled with the compic seems to get the correct response more than the photo alone.

I think your st is right but as you say is is difficult to put labels on everything. Todolearn has some compics that you can print out, maybe you could just put them on a few items that he uses everyday. I have found that even a nonverbal child of 14 developed some words after using compic put around the house.

Sometimes when we look at a task it seems too big but if you start with 5 or 6 labels and see if he is learning then you can put in the energy to do more. I find that success is a great motivator, I mean who needs sleep?


I have an idea, with the labels if it is something that you don't mind writing on, could you use permanent marker written directly on the object. Then he couldn't pull it off. I would also try using address labels as he may not be able to peel them off as easy. I talked to AJ's speech therapist today.  I asked her if I should print the animal names under the cards I laminated.  She said that would just make him fixate on the letters instead of focusing on signing what the picture is.  She also stated, that once he gets signing down, the words will come automatically.  Also, according to her, she said autistic children become awsome readers. 

Screech, I guess it depends on the individuial child. Both of our ST's have remarked to me that my DS will do better with the WORD and the picture will be secondary. The last ST told me that after spending five minutes with my DS she had already decided that his 'style' is geared more toward the word recognition and th epicture is secondary, of course that doesnt mean that is correct for your DS (JMO).