What does hyperlexia refer to in reading development?

Hyperlexia is a phenomenon where a child learns to read at an early age, often demonstrating remarkable abilities in terms of accuracy and fluency, but without a clear understanding of the content they are reading. This means that while the child can recognize and pronounce words—sometimes at a level above their peers—they may struggle to grasp the meaning or context of the text. This characteristic sets hyperlexia apart from typical reading development, where comprehension gradually aligns with reading fluency.

In this context, the first option accurately captures the essence of hyperlexia as it specifically highlights the disconnection between the ability to read and the ability to comprehend. It also reflects a common observation in children with hyperlexia, who might impressively decode words but may not yet have developed the cognitive skills to interpret or understand the material being read. The other choices describe different reading behaviors or proficiencies that do not encapsulate the unique traits of hyperlexia.