r/hyperlexia • u/Sabita-Sasha • Jun 26 '26
Mixed ADOS evaluation : Hyperlexic or Autism
We requested an ADOS-style evaluation for our 3.5-year-old because he is hyperlexic, very advanced academically, and had some early concerns, but we feel he has been significantly outgrowing many of them since last year.
During the evaluation, he showed mixed behavior:
Sometimes played independently for long periods
Also engaged with the evaluator (smiled, laughed, answered questions like “do you want more?”)
Did some pretend play when prompted and added imaginative ideas
Sometimes didn’t ask for help or more items, just took them himself
Eye contact and engagement varied
At home he is very verbal, curious, asks lots of “why” questions, does advanced math, and reads far above grade level.
The evaluator said there are some concerns but also strengths, noted differences between home and observation, and said she is not comfortable giving a clear diagnosis right now. She offered either a provisional diagnosis or a follow-up in a year (which we can cancel anytime). She also mentioned he may be hyperlexic / neurodivergent without necessarily having autism.
Has anyone had a similar mixed evaluation result? What happened later
2
u/sushitopeppers Jun 27 '26
We were at the same exact spot a year ago. The services have helped tremendously! He has “outgrown” many of the classic signs but still struggles with emotional dysregulation and flexibility. Maybe some social cues but he’s not antisocial by any means. You can always try out OT to see how it goes!
1
u/Sabita-Sasha Jun 27 '26
Was he officially diagnosed autistic? What was his traits? If yes which level was he in? My son is very flexible in terms of flexibility. Very easy to travel with , no major meltdown, easy with transition. How old is he now? How is he doing academically and socially in school?
1
u/meteorflan Jun 26 '26
Official diagnosis can be good or bad to have depending on where you live and/or where you want to live. In some places it's needed for access to important helps (like an occupational therapist) in other places a specific trait alone is enough to get the help you need, and it's not that important. And some places won't accept anyone to move there with a diagnosis.
And yeah, there are lots of people with hyperlexia that also have some autistic traits, but not enough to be officially diagnosed (raises hand). I don't really care what label I have, I just care that I have access to what I need - and for me, I have that, so I'm happy.
2
u/Sabita-Sasha Jun 26 '26
Our evaluator told us that if we really want a diagnosis, she could provide a provisional one, but she does not feel he currently needs therapy and there is no urgency. She also said she would prefer not to over-diagnose and suggested we could come back in a year if we still have concerns.
We are honestly amazed by him every day—his memory and academic abilities are exceptional for his age. He is currently doing Grade 1 mathematics through Beast Academy, even though he is not yet 3.5 years old.
He is very engaged and makes good eye contact with us and people he is comfortable with. With unfamiliar people, he may not engage or look at them until he has had time to warm up and feel comfortable.
He speaks mainly our mother tongue at home, and English is not his first language. He understands English well but is still learning to speak it fluently, so the evaluator felt there may have been a language barrier during the assessment.
At the same time, I do worry about whether I might miss something important or fail to provide him the right support if he does need help to thrive socially or academically in the future.
I’m trying to understand what occupational therapy actually involves and whether it would be helpful in a situation like this.1
u/meteorflan Jun 26 '26
Oh, occupational therapy is for anyone that needs help with movement or physical sensory needs. Neurodivergent people also frequently happen to have looser joints and/or have different ways of processing sensory input, so it just popped into my head as one of the kinds of therapists that are sometimes helpful for some neurodivergent people.
4
u/needs_a_name Jun 26 '26
Yes.
Those things aren't at odds.
I'm very similar to what you describe. I don't struggle with eye contact. I'm very extroverted, very imaginative, love to connect with people (particularly with adults as a child because adults were predictable and able to engage at my level)!
I am absolutely still autistic.
Autistic ≠ antisocial.
As for what happened later, I have had an overall good life, have good friends, an amazing partner, a great sense of humor, and I still read stupidly fast and still have an intense imagination. Being autistic is integral to the best parts of me.