Whispered Repetitive Speech

[Pugdog]

My son is nearly 16 and very bright. I suspect he may be ADHD, although symptoms have only now been an issue or a problem. One characterisitic that has been very consistent is a speech habit. He might say "I am going to the game" and then will whisper to himself "I am going to the game"  It is less pronounced than when he was younger, but he seems to be doing it again more frequently. His frineds even joke about it.

He is a normal, well developed teenager. Is very social and popular. However, he seems very easily distracted, hates homework and chores and is repeating again.

What should I do?

[Sdumo]

A related discussion, Repetitive Speech was started.

[Helpingnana]

I am 60 years old, quit my job as graphic designer to assist my son who has three children. The 8 year old has been diagnosed with possible Aspergers, and OCD symptons with impulsivity/hyperactivity. When he is by himself, with me, or with his grandfather, he does very well. No behavior problems. However, when around his mother (who is divorced and has stated she does not want him) or his father who has custody of him, he kicks, hits, swears, says no to everything, screams, runs away. Now that I am with him and his two siblings, he has started reacting to me as he does his mother, father and teachers.

I want to know where I can find a behavior modification program that will assist all of us in teaching him how to get a long with others, to like himself and to recognize the love we have for him.  He is a beautiful bright child, can be very loving and happy. I know there is a gentle loving child in him, please help me and his parents find him.

He has weekly therapy and has been hospitalized for this behavior. No solution however was given by the doctors.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It would be prudent to arrange an evaluation with a mental health clinician. While the repeating can be benign (it usually is), it can be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder and bears further investigation. Palilalia, the term for this behavior, can also be a symptom of Tourette's, so it does invite investigation.

[mom@homenow]

My son, 5 years old, does it especially when he's concentrating. My brother did too, and I still hear him once in a while now even as an adult. I'll be curious what the doctor here has to say. I have no idea if there's any significance to it or if it's just a habit.