Repeating words and sentences over & over

by linda
(crowley,texas usa)

My grandson is 7 years and diagnosed with SPD. He continually repeats sentences over and over and over even though I am responding to him.




Is this normal with SPD children or is something else going on?



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Oct 26, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Update?
by: Anonymous

Linda, did you ever get answers around this? I’m trying to find information about why my 7 year old constantly repeats herself even though I’ve responded and heard her. She’ll tell me the same sentence 4,5,6+ times! Until I say yes, honey I heard you the first time. Trying to understand what’s happening…
Jul 04, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		sons birthday
by: Anonymous

4 8 88
Sep 01, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		On the tv and personally
by: Anonymous

If you listen to some on the tv and especially reporters on sky news they add in "errs" "ums" one said 199 er 2 for the year. It makes me mute the tv. Now people i know are starting to do it. Why.

They do not have any medical reasons

May 24, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Comment Regarding repeating words and phrases in your head.
by: Anonymous

Two years ago, I had this exact same problem. I would repeat words phrases or even sentences over and over again in my head, and it almost made me insane.

It first started on Cristmas Eve, 2016, and then continued almost non - stop (it would stop during my sleep of course, and if it was a good day when I was reading) until August of 2017. This disorder turned me into a fast paced reader, that could read almost as fast as some of those commercial warnings into taking me one hour to read fifteen pages (on a good day). I can agree with great surety that stress was the only reason why it started.

The stress started at my dysfunctional home, and then it escalated greatly when I was bullied at school. The stress built on top of itself, and my condition grew exponentially worse by the month. I told no - one about this because I thought they would think I was crazy. This disorder turned me from a bright, social, friendly, reader, into basically the opposite.

In August I was sick of all of the stress, and got away from home for about one week. During that period of time (I lived in a apartment at the time and couldn't hum loudly) away I hummed and sung extremely loudly, and purged my mind of all thoughts. I would do this whenever I possibly could, and quite literally did almost nothing that week except for sleeping, eating, using the bathroom, and humming/whistling.

When I got back home, I continued to do the same thing (yet a lot quieter), yet I slowly let thoughts in again. By the begging of the next school year, I still hummed quite a bit, but only when I wasn't engaged in any activity. When my mind was completely void of anything to do, I simply started to purge thoughts and hum again.

Now, almost two years later, I am happy to say that I have my disorder is completely gone thanks to what I learned. I only had one or two "mental attacks" throughout the past two years, but it is quite easy to get past it. Just do exactly what I have done, whoever is reading this, and you will end up just like I am right now.

With the utmost sympathy and compassion for anyone with this,

Anonymous
Apr 26, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating pattern that is irritating
by: Anonymous

I have a problem repeating certain words and phrases in my head over and over and over again, sometimes for days or weeks on end. Usually they make no sense at all.

For over a month I kept saying "but what about the money" in my head and its nuts because suddenly Im saying it out loud and it is hilarious to me.

For a couple days its been "p. dobbinzig" or "p.p. dobbinzygote" either it's that or "little ray" or "captain c*ntsmate." I've talked to a doctor about this and he maintains its likely an underlying OCD. I asked how to mitigate this problem and he said to try reading the same rhyming poetry out loud, which helps, Im just tired of saying things like "what do you ****ing want ****head" and "Uncle Ray-meus" in my head or out loud.

It seems crazy and embarrassing but my doctor maintained it is pretty normal particularly when you are under a lot of stress or have not been sleeping well.
Mar 15, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		repeating words all over
by: Anonymous

When someone says something at work I repeat it and say it so I can write it. it drives me crazy.

I don't know why but I want to know what I have. If u have the same thinking and u know what it is please tell me so I can know.
Jan 15, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repetitive Sentences and words
by: Anonymous

I went through a really bad rough patch with my anxiety where everything felt fake and altered.

It all started when I had to give somewhat of a presentation in class; something I fear immensely. The worst part of it lasted about three weeks, and it literally drained me. I lost a lot of weight, my face turned pale, I woke up each morning with fear in my chest. I would fall to the ground and cry. I cried at least three times a day, and I was suicidal.

I went to the emergency room at one point for Adovan. The world was always blurry, I was convinced everything was fake and not real because I was over thinking it way too much during an anxiety attack.

I'm much better now, but this whole incident now has left me with OCD, I always have to have constant reassurance, I ask my parents about 3 times a day now if everything is real, but I used to ask it about 20 times a day. I do believe I've had OCD my entire life, I literally can't stop repeated eye crossing because... I don't know why.

I have to do everything in sets of 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20. Anything in between irks me. I continuously tense my back, and tense my face, itch every small itch obsessively, all because it bothers my mind horribly unless I can do everything the way I originally had intended to be done.
Nov 25, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Saying the same word
by: Anonymous

Recently I've been having episodes in which I keep saying the same one word over and over, and after a while of doing this I also then start to laugh about it. And what's really funny is that I have no idea what the heck the word I'm saying is. I think my brain just made it up. The word is pronounced as spelled and it's, GANASYEAPUESH.
Nov 19, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating words
by: Anonymous

I keep repeating in my head the same few words "um but um and" it drives me crazy and I’m not sure what it is
Aug 30, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		? Asperger's Syndrome
by: Jeanie

Hannah, My 2 boys were very similar to your boy when they were 13. Both of my boys were diagnosed with mild forms of Asperger's. It's worth looking into it.
Aug 25, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		help needed
by: Hannah

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas what condition my friends son could have, he is nearly 13 years old, he has very little concentration in classes at school, he struggles when told by a teacher what work he has to do so the teacher has to explain it again to him.

He's constantly tapping, moving his legs or swinging his arms about if he is not on his Xbox or iPad, he gets very upset and cries when he's told off for something, he can tell his mum constantly that he loves her, even if she leaves the room for a couple of minutes.

He seems quite child like at times (Like a child of 6/7) like breaking things that he shouldn't or throwing food at parties. He has been seen by a specialist who has said the there's nothing wrong with him, in comparison to someone else his age it is obvious that something is wrong, we just want to get him the help he needs. Thanks
Jul 18, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Is this ADHD
by: Anonymous

Just wondering if someone can help my 11year old son is struggling. I think he has got ADHD I can't get a diagnoses for him as the school said he is fine but very impulsive.

He has seen the paediatric they have said they will keep the case open for a year but he is still struggling. he punches hims self he talks all the time he repeats his self he's rude he isn't good with friends ships or good with roads

he starts on the other kids as soon as he wakes up I have seen special cams recently they have said to see a doctor again to get another referral to the paediatric would anyone else say these things are ADHD thank you
Jul 11, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		echolalia
by: Anonymous

yes its called echolalia.
Apr 03, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating and mimicking. SPD. ADHD. ASD. EDS3
by: Anonymous

My son does some repetition as well. The biggest thing that I struggle with him repeating is school related. Example. He will complete some problems, then if he gets stuck for a moment, but still answers it, he has to go back to the top of the page and go over every and we again. This continues until the page is complete. When reading,(he is learning since he is only in kindergarten), he will go back to the first word and read from there after every new word he reads. A 10 min lesson can easily turn into an hour long ordeal. He is so frustrated after the first sentence or two because of this behavior. But it is like he HAS to do it.

My son has ADHD, SPD, and a preliminary diagnosis for Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

On occasion he will also echo someone or something in the room without realizing he is doing it.

He was also diagnosed with EDS type 3 a month ago.
Dec 20, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hope
by: Anonymous

Neurodevelopmental therapies can help! It's work and can be slow, but worth it! My son has RAD, ODD, ADD and developmental delays and is so much better, healing slowly.

Look up Hope and A Future or The Family Hope Center to get started.

As far as the post about marked behavior change, my son had a lot of violence for months after a roller coaster ride, but they recommended cranio facial therapy and the violence has stopped - yeah! You can look up Body Talk.
I Jn 5:4
Nov 27, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Diagnosis
by: Laura

I was wondering what kind of Dr I would need to take my son to to get his issues diagnosed? He is 14 with ADD/ADHD,poor short term and long term memory, speech impediment, and slow growth. When he talks he will get stuck on a sentence and repeat it. He does this a lot when he is playing on the computer. His primary Dr is great bUT I wonder if they aren't missing something??
Oct 15, 2016
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starstarstar 		Repetition of thoughts on my mind
by: Anonymous

I find myself repeating things over and over and over until I have it in my head as to analyze it to The Bitter End until I am satisfied with the outcome and then after I've done all the examination I have to be 100% accurate before I move on I think it's because people who are extremely smart or those who are bored have to do this when I get bored very easy especially if something is so easy because I try to make it complicated in order to make it more understandable in my head I know that sounds silly but that's the way I think everybody else thinks the way they want..i just need to have my mind constantly challenged.
Oct 09, 2016
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starstarstar 		Worried about my 4 yr old
by: Jenn

I am wondering if repeating the same thing over and over even after a response constitutes as a tic? My daughter has had out of the blue symptoms that came about a year or so ago. Nightmares, bed wetting, tantrums that last for hours, extremely defiant, aggression, screaming, can't stay still, or be quiet what so ever. These all came about out of no where.

I've been doing everything I can to change her behavior patience, behavior charts, routine, diet, and anything I can. Time outs do nothing and as a last resort for terrible behavior I have even spanked her and that just made the tantrum worse.

She doesn't like separation anymore when she used to be the child who wasn't phased by bing left with a sitter now I can't even get her to be OK at preschool a month in... I've been researching PANDAS. I AM FEELING CERTAIN SHE HAS THIS.

I am scared about bringing it up to the Dr so I'm starting a journal to record her behavioral patterns. I suggest some of you maybe research PA NDAS disorder. My daughter had strep and gets coughs all the time which we felt were allergies but now I'm not so sure..

I cry because I do what to do she's just not the little girl she was and it's all changed so fast like overnight it seems. I just don't know how to handle it in the mean time.
Sep 13, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating things again and again(I think it is OCD)
by: Silent Eagle

Repeating things again and again(I think it is OCD).
Jun 24, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		repeating
by: Anonymous

It os so hard. My son repeats himself. He narrates everything he sees not all the time but some of it its reassurance or acknoeledgement. It can go on for an hour. We try to distract him. He asked me to repeat things if I don't he wont eat or move on from what he caught up in. I have to say a certain way too.he too will be aggressive and very upset beside himself x
Jun 23, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating
by: Anonymous

Hi my daughter repeats every day it and it gets me down and I shout and I feel like a bad mum.I have been to see the go and said she needs reassures. It's still going on and don't know what esle I can do to help.my daughter gets aggressive to.
May 07, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		re: repeating over and over
by: Anonymous

Hi~ I have a 9 year old ,who has just been diagnosed with receptive language disorder, and possibly auditory processing issues. However, Joel will repeat sequence of events. such as, going to the store , turn cans in, and go to game stop.. over and over and over. I try and redirect, but some days he's so focused i can't any thought or techniques to help manage?
Apr 21, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Speech
by: Suvis

My son is 3 yrs old and not speaking yet. He says few words for some time or some weeks then he won't repeat those words. Very rare when he is in the mood he speaks those words. Doctor said for speech theraphy. But again please share your experience on this problem
Apr 04, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		saying goodbye
by: Anonymous

Has anyone had a toddler that has to say goodbye to everything he sees. When we are out he has to say goodbye to everything as he passes it . He cant be interrupted or he will get very upset. Also same when leaving the house. Saying goodbye to items can see such as shoes, nappies. Toys
Apr 04, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Going nuts!
by: TiredMum

My daughter was diagnosed with mild autism spectrum disorder at age four. She does all of the things that Emma mentions her son doing. She was almost two years old before she walked on her own though. She is seven now.

She repeats sentences she hears over, and over, and over...This reflects her moods usually, and for the most part I can gently redirect her to another activity or tune out the constant repetitions. However, a lot of the time It does wear at me, and I end up snapping at her to just stop! I hate when I do that to her, it makes me feel like a bad mother. She doesn't speak quietly either, it's as if she only understands one noise level, loud! Lol.

My son is five, and doesn't have any special needs. I try explaining to him why she behaves the way she does, and he understands for the moment but soon forgets. Any advice or suggestions on how I can better handle myself and not get so cross with my daughter at these times?
Mar 30, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		agree
by: Anonymous

I guessed it to be that I m a therapist and sure enough am right. Dorothy Rose at dorothyro1@gmail.com
Mar 14, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		son almost 3
by: Emma

My son crawled the walked within weeks 13/14 months old. Always flapped his hands/ arms. Stiffens his legs. Jumps. Walks bk and forth on his toes. Always been very fussy wanting his milk cold and fussy about food which we thought he would grow out of. He is still on a baby bottle. Chewing the teat is a comfort to him.

He only eats about 5 things. We have tried every approach we can think of for food. Only giving healthy options. Giving extra options. Hiding food. Rewarding. Praising to try new food. Nothing works. He has now over the last few months started becoming very anxious and violent. Making himself sick.

Staring into space then saying he is scared. Repeating same words over and over again. Obsessed watching same things on tv over and over again.no patience. No sense of hurting his younger sister or himself. Started to demand more time on his own. Doesn't like change.

Mega meltdowns worse than any tantrum I have ever seen.used to take one bite and leave things like cracker demands I take a bite first otherwise wont eat. Waiting to get him checked out. Any advice appreciated
Mar 05, 2016
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starstarstarstar 		Repeating sentences
by: Anonymous

My friend keeps repeating these words when upset or panicking or alone, "i don't know what to do?" over and over..is this normal?
Jan 16, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		My almost 4 year old son....
by: MJL

Hi everyone my son will be 4 February 18th and he repeats himself constantly. Ex: mom did you see that and I would respond yes and he would go on to repeat himself about 4-5 more times. He has some sensory issues and has some speech delays, also just found out he may have ecolalia. If anyone can help me or give me an idea of what it may be I would really appreciate it. Thank you all
Jan 15, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Again & again & again...
by: Poo

Hi all. My 11 year old son is suffering from adhd & epilepsy. He keeps on repeating same sentence again & again & again. Please help with a solution. We believe it's to get our attention. Pls share stratergies to stop his repetitions. Thanks ....Poo
Jan 08, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		repeating
by: Anonymous

OUR FOUR YEARS SON REPEATING EVERY SENTENCE .PLEASE SUGGEST TO ME.
Nov 24, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Trying to figure out what's wrong
by: Anonymously

My daughter started repeating things two weeks ago I cry trying to figure out what's wrong she is 32 years old and she looks at the same movie over and over about 15 or 20 straight so what can I do about
Jul 22, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bugs!
by: Anonymous

dear anonymous , u said Bugs could cause speech repetition. would be happy if u could suggest a remedy asap thx
Jul 19, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		hard to copw with now
by: ninaD

Can anyone help?

My husband keeps singing the following - Beef sausage & mash. Chicken sausage or just comes out with other stupid stuff.

His mum said he used to do it as a child, but known him 10yrs. In those 10 yrs, hes only recently(past2.5yrs) started doing this.
Its got to the stage where I've got so angry as its rubbed off onto our children that we're arguing & he then runs to his mum,saying I've thrown Thi or that due to being frustrated!

He wont listen its affecting our children & me.

What can I do?
Jul 15, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		reply to thee TICS comment!:)
by: Anonymous

hi i have just read your comment regarding your 13 year old daughter, wow i could have wrote that myself, those are all the things my daughter does i wrote on her a while ago wondering what it was, well since then i got her in for an appointment to diagnose her, and was told it was ocd/tourettes!

so now we know, basically there is nothing u can do! just learn to live with it! at the moment its at its high and its very hard to live with or deal with, its not easy! i just hope it gets easier for her, if it stays the same or gets worse im going to take her back for another consultation, because its got worse since our last appoinment!

i hope u all get a diagnosis, just keep pushing your gp for them to refer them to a proper unit!:)
Jun 16, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bugs!!!
by: Anonymous

Do a little researching about parisites! It's possible! Very possible!
May 19, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		repeating words
by: Anonymous

I have a 3 year grandson and he speaks English and Spanish he is very active and plays with cars he's a topical 3 year old boy but he keeps repeating (I love you grandma. Is that topical.
Mar 01, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		tics
by: Anonymous

i have just been reading all the comments on here all very different in there all way, my daughter is 13 and our problems started couple of years ago, it was repeating words all the time, now it is way worse and she shouts, makes howling noises, ect.. and she repeats sentances all the time, she has specific movements where she jumps after doing something, moves her arms strangely, and moves items so that they face the way she wants. this all added together is intollerable, and we do try, but its getting everyone down, we have finally got a doctor to understand and now we are waiting for an appointment, we dont know what we are dealing with it could be tics or ocd or both! but it has to be looked at for her and our benefit! we dont understand and feel awful as though we letting her down:(
Mar 01, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		My step son
by: Anonymous

My step son, can repeat him self anything from 25-50 times with the same question even though you can tell him the answer the same amount of times. He looks at your blankly like he is not grasping the concept that you have told him. He regularly sticks his tongue out and has a constant runny nose. He is is 3 years and 3 months old and this is not normal behaviour for a regular three year old. My two year son does not behaviour the same either. He had limited speech and is under speech therapy would they be looking at other areas? He has development delays and from his reports his is under delvolped for his age range. He is secured 8-20 months and emerging on the rest. It is clear that he had addioital needs but the word repeating can be very difficult to deal with. What can I do to help? Xx
Feb 13, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		to: 3 year odl repeating
by: Anonymous

Just a thought based on your description.
Is it possible your child was asking "Am I capable of doing this" when asking "CAN I do this" and not "AM I allowed to do this". Hence saying that you are not listening to them/hearing them. At times the aspies literal mind can take words very "directly".

During the car drives you could try saying "No, it will take X more minutes to get there". Or say that not until "you see that red house" (description on the place you are heading to). Or say that it will take X amount of time (you can count to 100, then we will be there. The song on the cd player plays 10x before we get there...etc) But as I understand this asking does not bother you much.


Not sure how to comment the potty thing. Yes, she pointed it out. Yes, you noticed. I do not know what she might been really saying. Maybe expected "Well done" (on the potty, not in the pants/diaper) or something like that?


I am an adult. I am an aspie. But I do not remember my childhood behaviour really. I do know that I once repeated the same poem over and over during the whole journey to grandparents, and mom still remembers it. But it was a 3-year-old kid, and I guess i was adorable. She was not concerned much. Though probably a bit tired of hearing it over and over...


I cannot tell you whether to be concerned or not. Or is this a toddler behaviour, or a "symptom" of some diagnosis/syndrome. All I can say is to be patient with your child.
Feb 13, 2015
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starstarstarstar 		3 year old repeating
by: Anonymous

My almost 3 year old daughter is extremely smart and out going but lately she has been repeating (usually questions) even after we have answered her. ( she speaks in clear full sentences the doctor said she's very advanced with her speech) Just an example would be if she asks if she can do something and we will tell her no. She will ask again and again we say no. She will ask again and we say no.

Then she will say mama (or dada) u didn't hear me, I asked if I can do this. We will tell her we heard her and already said no and she will ask again. Eventually she will move onto something else. I chalked it up to the fact that she's a toddler and let's face it toddlers do some weird things.

She's also one of those kids that will ask if we are there yet fifteen thousand times in the car but she's not doing it to be funny or annoying she's genuinely asking. When we tell her no she will wait a minute and say how bout now?

This morning she repeated about 6 times "look mama I'm on the potty even though after the first time I said yes I know I'm right here watching you. Is this something to be concerned about yet? Or am I being a little paranoid? I do have pretty serious anxiety so it wouldn't surprise me in the least if I am over reacting
Jan 20, 2015
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starstarstarstar 		Repeat words
by: Anonymous

My husband started repeating his words and even a whole phrase right after we moved about 10 months ago. He fell during the move. Could this cause him to repeat his words (at least 2-3 repetitions.) He is 67. But I notice a lot of people on TV repeat words a lot. I thought he may be copying people on TV. It seems to be trendy to repeat words these days. Any comments or am I mistaken?
Nov 01, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		my husband repeats himself
by: barbaraAnonymous

My husband is 80, drives a car well, does all other activities normally. In speaking with someone on the phone, or engaging in conversation with someone, he repeats himself 3 or 4 times, I am so embarrassed. I want him to stop talking, I do not correct him, but wish there was some way he would realize he is doing this.

When younger in social situations he always got almost drunk before we went out, and he repeated himself when drinking. I have always felt he was an introvert, and would gain confidence, but he has not. Is this dementia setting in? It is driving me crazy, when at home if I ask him a question he always gives me a silly answer, We can never talk about normal everyday things.

It is so bad I try not to speak with him. This is so sad, I try to be patient with him. This is so hard to do. He is a hoarder, has been for several years. I do my best to keep this at bay, and put my foot down quite often. Is there any help for us?
Nov 01, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To: Sighing Moon
by: Jeanie

I don't know if you read my other post or not where I explain what I do in the form of repetitions but I can definitely identify with what your saying. In my other post, I explained about me & other family members who have this disorder, including my daughter. Well, unfortunately when I read your post about the automated checkout saying "Bananas" in a strange way, I remembered that my daughter & I experienced the same thing.

I called her up, read her your post, & she & I went back to saying "Bananas" just like the automated check out said it. But, we did it for the next 4-5 days. I also said that we don't do things in public. But, I realized that's not entirely true.

When my daughter & I go shopping together, if we get separated,down different aisles, we do something that we've coined "Call & Response". I'll make a nonsense sound with my mouth closed & never looking at anyone else in the store. I make a sound like "ERRRRP" & my daughter will respond with her own sound like "YORRRRT". We laugh to ourselves over each other's sounds. And, we laugh at the people who look everywhere to see where the sound is coming from.

If we think they're closing in on us, we'll go silent. But when they walk away, I'll do an extra loud, "ERRRRP" & she'll respond with an equally loud "YORRRRT". I do want to make it clear that we repeat things much to the annoyance of some of our family members & we do it most of the time. My daughter and I agree that we love the sound of the words or phrases we are saying to the point of obsession.

Sometimes I feel sad when I annoy my family really bad, but I still find it extremely difficult to stop.My daughter loves the sounds of the words or phrases that she says so much that she tries to get other people to repeat them for her. She loves to hear them come out of other people's mouths too.

My dad used to do that too, but I don't. I'd rather repeat them myself. It is the sound of the words or phrases that we enjoy to the point of wanting to hear them over & over. But I don't know why this feels like a necessity to us, but it does. I don't do it to annoy people, not my original motive. But, I do enjoy a chuckle when people eventually get mad because in my head, there is no reason to be mad. I am standing there in front of them saying what I believe to be the coolest sounding word or phrase in the world, and I can't understand why they don't like it as much as I do.
Oct 30, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		I met a guy off the chatline.
by: Anonymous

I met this guy off the chatline. He responded to my greeting and left me a message. He was saying he wanted to get to know me. He whe was talking about what he liked to do in the message and then he kept repeating it a couple more times but I just thought he was nervous or something. So then I messaged him back and asked for his number. He repeated it exactly 8 times then he said "did u get the number" I said to myself "huh" and he repeated it 3 more times in his message!I said to myself "there is something wrong with this guy.

So when I got off the chatline I proceeded to look up "what is the disease called when ppl keep repeating themselves and I clicked on this link. Wow! Astonishing! I have never heard of this before. I knew that guy had some form of something so I had to look it up. I don't think I will be talking to him like that because I don't think I could handle something like that and I still haven't even officially talked to him yet.
Oct 12, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Advice please
by: Anonymous

hi there

I have been married for 9 years to my wife for nearly ten years. She is Chinese and has had a very bad childhood. Her mother died in a tragic accident and my wife has told me that her brother is autistic.

My wife works very hard at work and at home, and is very well educated to Masters standard.

I am a well educated individual and I work very hard and do my bit at home.

The trouble is, I feel as though my wife acts as though I was her father and rants and raves at me at the smallest matter and it is driving me crazy.

For instance my wife will repeat a sentence over 4 or 5 times, some of them seem to be a pre-recorded, and they are always very rude and blaming me for certain things, and on one situation she spat at me.

She will hit herself on the head when it is obvious that she cannot blame me for something and then start shouting the a repetitive message over and over again at the top of her voice.

The angry repeating message that occurs, always ends up 'For every action there is a reaction'

My wife has told me that if she says something more than once it is because no body listens and she wants you to tell her that you understand and she will stop repeating. You then tell her that you understand and she will keep repeating anyway.

She is always telling me that I am bad and she say nasty negative things that I know are not true.

My wife wanted to try for another baby but unfortunately, it wasn't possible due to my wife's age. So we tried paying privately for treatment. But it didn't work, but yet again I get the nagging and the blame etc. When my wife got pregnant in the first year we were married, she had a situation and the hospital told us both that there was a 95pcent probability, that the baby was lost. That evening, the hospital put us both up for rest and my wife would not stop abusing and shouting at me to the point that she was blaming me for the loss of the baby. Fortunately, on the Monday, they did a scan and there was no problem and we had a beautiful girl who I am super proud of.

I think I had a bit of a breakdown during the first couple of years of my daughters life, but I feel a lot better now, but I have my moments.

I spoke to my doctor, and he said that he hadn't noticed anything indifferent about my wife.

My wife is also very scared of cats and dogs, and other animals, to the point of hysteria. I think she has Asperger's Syndrome.

I don't know who to ask for help.
Aug 28, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I'm at my ropes end with my 7 year old!
by: Anonymous

Our daughter is 7,we home school her and her sister,she is very outspoken to the point where it has become shamefully! If she sees someone who my be different ex. If they have a mark on their face,or maybe missing a few teeth,or a leg..ect she is almost certain to ask them about it or tell them about it (as if they didn't already know!) she ask the same questions over and over she may reword it but it's the same thing..

when I start her on a new lesson plan or something new that she is not use doing in her work..it's a battle! But when she finally sits down and do it,the next day of having to do it again is not as bad for her..she seems to try and put the blame on others for her wrong doing then to take the blame for it.and she talks all the time! Mostly asking questions.

if we are in the car and she starts in on the questions and my husband and I start to get upset.we will count them just to see how many she will ask till we get where we are going. She's very out going and funny never meets a stranger.when she does,she starts on them with the questions..we are talked to her about what kind of questions hurt peoples feelings and if she not sure to come ask us insted..and she knows that but when the next time comes up she fails to remember.

I'm at a lost what to do anymore. I don't feel that she is trying to mean or hurtful..I really feel like she just wants to know...but not everyone sees it that way and some have come to us with something she has asked them that they thought was out of the way.. Plz I am opened to any help right now !
Aug 24, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Greymom and Jeanie
by: Annie

My husband has a similar problem, and it's driving me nuts! I had no idea he was like this when we first met, and even after we were married 20 years ago. I just thought he was silly. He is silly and goofy at times, which I don't really mind, but what drives me nuts is the repeating the same question to me over and over, "where's Bar (nickname for my sister Barbara)? "Where's Bar, what's Bar doing?" All in a silly voice, and he repeats it over and over and over!

Sometimes I tell him to stop, sometimes I answer (she lives out of state and we only see her a few times a year) hoping he will stop. If I want to discuss something real, and have a normal conversation, he often lapses into this behavior and it makes me feel ignored, alone and irritated.

He really likes my sister, and she and I are a lot alike, but she is a bit quieter and more subservient in my view. She also lives in a Midwestern state that he idealizes and wants to move to, but views my disinterest in moving back home from California as his roadblock and the only thing keeping him from a perfect life in paradise. Nonetheless, I don't really think that's the reason he does it.

When I first knew him, he would behave in the same manner but it was about a friend's dog that he liked. He would ask, "where's Popper? where's Popper?" Over and over. I used to ignore it. Later he moved on to his parent's dog, and then a cat. Same thing, but it was never as bad, or maybe it just didn't irritate me as much, until he got to my sister.

This has been the longest thing he has been stick on, maybe even for 10 years, but at least 5. I can't remember for sure. He was diagnosed with ADD as a kid and took Ritalin, but I don't know if that was an accurate diagnosis. He also asks weird bodily function questions like when I have to use the restroom, "do you have to pee or poop?" This is so odd and irritating, even to a spouse.

I think he has some sort of processing disorder. He also hates large social functions and usually refuses to go. He has some sort of social anxiety issue, but is fine with friends, family and small groups. He never hears what I say to him--literally-- until I said it three or four times, and it's not just the typical male thing. He really doesn't process what's being said if he's focusing on something else.

He has anxiety, and anger outbursts, but since taking Lexapro, the anxiety and anger are fairly controlled. The medication has had no effect on this repeating. He does get upset if things are not going well, at work, or financially, and he gets stuck on a negative concern and is somewhat obsessive, but it does go away when the issue is resolved.

Like, Greymom's husband, he is college-educated and is successful in his career. He is a little silly with his friends at work, but only after he gets to know them. As far as I know, he only engages in the irritating irritating repeating behavior for when he is around me and our two teen-aged sons. They just ignore it.

Does anyone know what this is, or how to treat it?
Aug 07, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bad behaviour or not?
by: Worried Grandma

My five granddaughter keeps repeating herself. She will ask a question and I answer it but she will keep asking the same question. She gets very upset over things and seems to go from one thing to another and shows off if she can't have what she wants. I wondered if it was just bad behaviour but after taking her on holiday I think there is something more to the way she is. She often stares at other children too and talks to an imaginary person. Her school did say she had an auditory memory problem but they are working on it and she has improved. I have suggested to my daughter that she seek help from a child behavioural specialist to find out whats wrong if there is in fact something wrong. She has always been a challenging child but at the same time she is a very lovable child and she has had a lot of attention.
Aug 06, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To: Greymom
by: Jeanie

I know you posted over a year ago, but I just read your post now & feel compelled to answer. A few people in my family have this same condition (including me). I am a registered nurse, & I have no clue what causes it. My father (who passed away many yrs ago) had this condition (for lack of a better word). My dad was a sweet guy but every morning he would wake up the house with a high pitched rendition of a song called Coo coo little bird. Yes, like your husband, a bird song.

Throughout the day, if any of the kids played video games, he would repeat the game sounds over & over, such as "Beeeeyorrrrk". There's much more, but let's get on to me. I make up my own words & phrases & repeat them constantly. Ok, I'm driving in my car & every time another driver does something stupid, I yell out random made up phrases such as "Ah, ya dirty ditalino", or "Ya bim hitter". Every time I stub my toe or do anything painful to myself, the phrases get longer such as "Slam bam the happy jam, went to bed with a pig in his hand".

For weeks I repeatedly asked my family, "Hey, have you ever seen a scab on a fish?" I have 3 children but only my daughter does this also, not my 2 sons. My daughter will repeat words or phrases & then ask other family members to say them with her, telling them that it's great fun, such as, "Nose hook shirt". And, I have 6 grandchildren & only one of my granddaughters has this condition as well. Her thing is to use anatomically correct words in place of the normal word, such as "Have you ever been to the state of Vagina?" Now we are all educated.

My granddaughter makes the honor roll in high school. And, like your husband, we never do any of this out in public. I don't know why I do it. My daughter and I talk about it all the time. We just can't stop, much to the annoyance of other family members, such as my mother & son. My mother will say, "Would you stop the nonsense talk?" My son will simply scream, "Shut up", when he's heard enough. We do it to the point of angering other family members, but we can't stop.

I tried talking to my doctor about it once, but he laughed & thought I was being absurd. My daughter talked to her PA who said it could be mild Tourette's, or really mild Asperger's, but she wasn't sure. So, I'm sorry that I don't have a diagnosis for you. All I can tell you is your husband & you are not alone in this. And, we can't quit doing it, no matter how hard we try. Thanks for hearing me out & have a "Hippy sippy lippy day". Sorry, had to & I'm not kidding.
Jul 07, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating at its worst
by: Anonymous

Been married 18 years and it took me a while to pick up on it, but could someone shed some light on this?

We have the same arguments, over and over, she says the same things, virtually word for word, from one month to another, whether they really apply or not. I see the same behaviors, words, phrases, arguments, month after month.

It is almost as if..she's been programmed with a script and can't deviate...she only has a certain number of phrases, words, combinations available...

It is honestly quite scary because as we argue, fight, I can tell her what she's going to say before she even says it - kind of knowing what the picture is going to look like because it's a paint by numbers set...

Anyone have ANY idea what's going on here?
Jun 24, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Sarah
by: Anonymous

Sarah, has your husband been diagnosed with Asperger's or any other kind of autism? He sounds autistic. Poor eye contact, constantly repeating the same songs, obsessive behaviors, annoying his own children but doesn't seem aware of it - all very common features of autistic individuals.
Jun 23, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Exhaustion from BF repeating me, old phrases
by: SighingMoon

I live with my boyfriend of 5 years.
He does fine as his high level career.
No issues performing well.
He is in great health and comes from avery normal background.
But around me, he will repeat words or phrases I stopped using 1-2 years ago.
I stopped using them because he started repeating me.
With his oldest friends, he is pretty quiet. Just polite and listens to them.
But around me he keeps saying 'apologize' , 'again'.
Basically words I used a couple years ago.
When I ask him stop he says he can't and it makes him happy. He will also repeat sentences back to me or ask why instead of answering a simple question.
He also will get songs stuck in his head and repeat them.

Tonight was incredibly bad because he kept repeating a word from the automated checkout line that is rather pronounced and absurd in pronunication 'Bananas'. So he kept saying, Bananas, apologize over and over.
When I put on my noise canceling headphones to drown him out, he then said my name loudly.
He then laughed and repeated 'bananas / apologize'

I am happy to see the stories on here, but am at a loss on how to proceed.
May 30, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating Yourself Over & Over
by: Anonymous

My boyfriend and I have been dating for 3 years and we love each other very much. However, communication is the hardest part of the relationship. I have anxiety and depression and I think when we talk if something bothers me and he will try to reassure that everything is fine, I keep asking him the same question over and over and he gets very frustracted and angery with me. Why does he get angry and frustrated when I do that. He has been asking why this bothers him so much too.
Feb 28, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Asperger high level functioning and SPD
by: Anonymous

I now seeing that the repeating of words is caused by high anxiety , my husband has anxiety it is in everything he does sleep, talk, drive, walk, and in intimacy.

The Asperger husband is a non-stop talker, i or he will whistle, hum if he is not talking. He also has SPD the repeating words.

My husband does this our daughters says, they just tune him out, and put their ear phones on quiet just keep texting their friends, now they just cut him off and excuse themselves, away to another room .

We all think the oddest part of this disorder is to live your life so out of touch with yourself, and with others and everything around you.

Everyday God gives us a chance to show up up and be present so we can show love, compassion, sensitivity, understanding, and have a meaningful mutual exchange of communication, but to miss it seems so very sad to me.

I believe that it is to hard for normal functioning persons to be with , SPD and Asperger types maybe the best thing might be is for an Aspergers type to marry an Aspergers.

The SPD part is another aspect of it . Always using verses, in songs to relay stories is immature. And them actually imitating the instruments that are in the song is well silly, I told him to stop doing that it is irritating and embarrassing so he stopped imitating instruments, but he was in his late 40's at that time he had done it his entire life! Like something simple, as saying, "I'm going to make some chicken soup tonight." The SPD person response will repeat the word, "chicken" like sixteen times in the next paragraph it is so annoying, it just wears people down and now we all have our own computer offices , in our house and it is quieter and healthier for all involved.

This individuals, childhood was bad his mother wanted all three kids to be perfect, intelligent and look like they were from an affluent family. So she screamed, yelled and physically abused them, the oldest had a mental breakdown after college. the other one is a single partying alcoholic and he ended up with a anxiety, ADD, Aspergers, and SPD. So, the question is if the mother was calm, loving, compassionate, present, accepting and a spiritual hippie type who would they all be today? In this case it appears that the childhood abuse is so far reaching, that it effects every aspect of their lives and what seems like the rest of these poor people lives. I wonder if Asperger, ADD and SPD in case of my husband is because of the blows of her abuse shaped the personalities causing ADD, because the pain is so great in the body as a child that the mind creates a game of distraction almost like splitting of brain, into multiple personality disorder that your read ,where another personality or many personalities are created in order to deal with the pain, suffering or trauma. I now wonder if ADD is the first step on your way to multiple personalities if the abuse continues?
Feb 27, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Aspergers
by: Anonymous

It seems that a lot of behaviours described below could stem from an Autism spectrum condition (High functioning or Aspergers). I'm unsure whether someone has mentioned this below however in the example of the young girl that finds before and after school difficult - could be due to the structure provided at school that is absent at home? Behaviours seen could be a result of heightened anxiety/stress due to the fear of the unknown/lack of structure. Repeating words and phrases could be echolalia, self developed coping strategy or a delay to allow processing of verbal information. Seeking a correct diagnosis would be my first port of call.
Feb 12, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Out of the blue
by: Anonymous

My daughter is 8yrs old, she is going to be nine in April. In the past six months she has started repeating herself. She has always been a high energy child full of life! This seems to have come out of nowhere! She is very smart, makes good grades in school and has never gotten in trouble for behavior. But, before school & after school & all weekend she is a very difficult child. She is constantly repeating herself, at least three times, sometimes more, even when we have made eye contact with her and answered her, when she see's we are getting aggravated with her she rewords what she is saying, but its still the same.

She has never slept well, she is always humming, singing, talking. It is almost like she cant turn her mind off. We joke that we wished she would have come with a button. We love her dearly & know she is realizing what she is doing but cant stop. I have been researching the direction I should take on this and have started documenting when it happens & it seems to be when she is overly excited about an event, extremely tired, anxious or stressed. I decided to leave a message today because maybe some other parent can relate to our struggles and be encourage that you are not alone.
Feb 03, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating Husband
by: Anonymous

That sounds like my husband Sarah all the way. I don't know what's wrong with him and he thinks its cute. He also has problems making eye contact.
Jan 25, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		48 year old husband
by: Sarah

My husband has always repeated silly songs made up about our family members and pets or parts of songs he thinks are funny . He is so annoying to our children aged 20 and 22 that they really dislike him now they are growing up . When they were young they thought it was funny , but now it's a real problem . He is also obsessed with saving money and buying every thing we need for the house second hand or as cheep as he can find . May I add he's in a very well paid job . He is very different at work .

He has had a breakdown recently and the singing is a lot worse and when we ask him to stop he just starts shouting and doing it even more . I think he has a communication problem and his eye contact is very poor when having a conversation with anyone .

Can SDP continue though adulthood and get worse .

Dec 26, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Louise
by: Anonymous

Louise, are you serious? This child has OCD and can't stop it. Sounds like TS. As well. Take the kid to a DR. And stop telling her to stop. You gave it to her.
Dec 12, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		10 year old daughter
by: Karen

For eg, I trip up. My daughter will describe what just happened. Anything can happen and she will do this. Or something happens at school and she will describe to us what happens then describe it a different way. If I ask her brother to do something she will ask it again but this isn't always frequent. Anybody else have these issues?
Oct 15, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Should we repeat if asked to?
by: Anonymous

Don't know if anyone has an answer or direction with this, but if a family member with ocd requests that you repeat things over and over until he cools off, shall we go ahead and repeat them? Would this encourage the behavior further?

Thanks for any feedback.
Sep 27, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Husband repeating phrases over and over
by: GreyMom

My husband repeats certain phrases and sings nonsensical songs all the time! Our kids are in college and it has gotten worse. This does not happen at his place of work (he's a successful attorney in a large firm) or in the company of those outside of the immediate family. Here's a sample of things he will say over and over, changing it up sometimes:

--Jane (my name) has got it going on! I mean she has got.it.going.on.
--What's the Jane doing?
--Where's my Jane
--Jane is silly, no Jane is not silly, Jane is alot of things but she is not silly
--Lexie (our dog) Lexie is little
--Lexie you are little little little
--Songs - there's one about a blue bird and the blue bird gets shot......another one is there's a dog in the riverbed.......
---shaking his leg and saying "here it comes here it comes here it comes"
-Strange sayings such as Polly poo pooed in her panties

He picks at the cuticles on his fingers, sometimes until they are raw. He was doing this strange sound but I couldn't help it and I blurted out "stop doing that" and he did stop! He is moody at times, although it's typically associated with stress at work. He is oblivious to the fact that our daughters joke about it and at one point in time one of our daughters and I named the personalities. I don't know if he realizes how strange this behavior is. Sometimes when he starts an obsessive repetitive streak he will stop him self and say no no no, let's not get into that. But then he goes right back to it.

As I'm writing this, I am laughing at the absurdity, but I promise it is all true and not so funny. He was taking an anti anxiety drug but is not currently taking anything. He has had ulcerative colitis but it's under control now.

Basically it's just the two of us in the house and I'm so irritated, I don't even want to come home from work sometimes! I totally ignore him when he does this.

I have looked on the internet at OCD, Tourettes, SPD, ADHD, Asperger's, Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression and others. I can't come up with the thing that pinpoints it!

All I know is that it is driving me crazy! Has anyone seen anything like this? And if so, what was the diagnosis and treatment?
Sep 19, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dysnomia
by: Anonymous

I have ADHD. But I also have dysnomia, which means I lose words, usually common words like bowl, or names. I don't think I've ever lost a verb, pronoun, adjective, etc. so it must be something about nouns, anyway I will often pause during a sentence as I look for the word. Or I will describe the word, because my husband knows I do this and it helps me get the word back. The point is, my daughter repeats a phrase until she finds her lost word. I think she also has dysnomia. This may be affecting some of the repeating phrases. We also have Aspergers and I just read people with it may repeat themselves.
Sep 14, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		asd, ocd, spd, tourettes, adhd, anxiety
by: Anonymous

I deal with these issues daily from two sons and a husband.

My advice is, don't become the disorder yourself.
The people dealing with disordered minds are working very hard to keep order, in the ways they know how. Telling them to stop it, ignoring them, walking away, feeling embarrassed and angry at them increases the anxiety and increases their output.

Instead search for alternatives. In social situations, take along cue cards, if they're repeating song lyrics, put all the songs on an iPod and let them listen to the song, if they're not acting empathetic, model empathy for them, dramatically enough that they can remember but don't say what you're doing.

Imagine if you were dropped off on an alien planet where everyone did these "strange things" and you were the odd one out.

If strangers in the supermarket comment try ''my child has autism, what's your excuse for poor social etiquette?' or similar.

Those with wacky husbands, love them to death. They're special and will be great to grow old with.
Sep 14, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		7 year old son
by: Anonymous

my son keeps repeating one sentence more than 100 times a day, its like * mommy mom i wish i can tell u final red* which means nothing. i dont know what is this any help?
Jul 24, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jargon aphasia
by: Anonymous

Do a google search for Jargon aphasia and read the wikipedia link. See if there are similar symptoms.
Jun 20, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		can someone help
by: louise

Can anyone help me! I don't know where to go from here, I have a 11 year old daughter, over a year ago she came home from school and started saying 1234, 1234, 1234, I said what are you sayinf that for, and just thought it was something they made uup at school, but it didn't stop, then she started saying other words and repeating them, we always told her to stoo, because she we aLways sAying it loud and a lot, it was daily, anytime of the day, now its excessive, she constently says to me "sorry love you" all the time, my response is why are you sorry you haven't done anything, stop it, but it just continues, she also says other words like"no no no no no" and shout out loud its seems like she can't stop it, as though it just comes out of her mouth! It is now getting us down me and my husband, we don't know why and iyts excesive, has she got a problem we feel guilty because we tell her off, and to stop saying these things to which she replys" I will stop" I tell her I will take her to doctors, but that doesn't stop it, she does it anywhere now, in front of friends and family, what do I do? Help
May 20, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		re: Jay - husband repeats himself
by: Anonymous

Jay, your story could easily have been mine. Husband repeats odd phrases. All. The. Time. It's become an unpleasant joke between our daughters: How many times will Daddy say "Magic Johnson?" Odd repetitive gestures, too — a finger point, a fist pump, for no discernable reason. Not to mention behaviors that cross the line out of social acceptability. He also has zero empathy, zero ability to place himself in another's circumstances. Also good at black-or-white things like math; sees the world in those terms as well. Lack of empathy taking toll on relationship with eldest daughter, who is a "spirited child," as they say. She's in high school and does not want him around — "I don't want my friends to see him talking to himself!"

Wouldn't wish this on anyone — not from the family perspective, nor the individual's (he's got to know people think he's odd) — but it's a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with someone like this.
Apr 11, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		feeling better,want to share
by: Anonymous

hi there I've read so many comments on this forum and glad im not alone, I don't have an answer for this odd behavior but I would like to share my experience.

im a 23 yr. old dude and shout loudly phrases or random words from songs or movies. sometimes I even invent an entire conversation out loud (gosh hope the neighbors can't hear me)lol this urge can go on for about an hour then sometimes "it" comes back for round two and sometimes it doesn't. its crazy it makes me laugh. but when I calm down I think "is this normal?" also when im stressed I try to calm myself by talking to myself, like if I did something embarrassing. ill give myself a long pep talk its so annoying but if I don't talk to myself the stress stays and drives me crazy but the talking to my self is also driving me crazy so yea I just don't know what to do. should I continue talking to myself or is it damaging my mind? anyway thx for listening
Feb 19, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Husband repeats
by: wife

I have a husband that constantly repeats himself. He repeated himself when we first started dating seven plus years ago it seems it has got worse. I think in the beginning he worked really hard at hiding the fact that he repeats and now he is comfortable it is harder for him to control.

He has only ever been diagnosed with OCD but reading other stories on here it seems this is what he has also. He often repeats a sentence different ways until it sounds right to him. An example would be "Do you, Do you, Do you, hey wait hold on a sec " Do you want to go to the movies" He often looks uncomfortable in his own skin. It often takes him a long time to get started on a task. Hates being yelled at. Trouble holding a real job, would rather be his own boss. He gets on different kicks that will last months or years.

He latest "kick" is if you call him on the phone he will say "Hold hold hold on a sec, I have to turn my volume up" I'm not sure why he does this? It is often embarrassing when we are in public and he repeats to strangers because they don't know him or why he is doing this. It has often irritated me but I pray for patience to deal with it.

I am now 8 months pregnant and wondering if our son will also repeat. Does anyone know if it is hereditary? I am just learning about this disorder and would love more information and if there is anyone else out there like my husband.
Jan 28, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstar 		husband repeats himself
by: Jay

I suspect my 40 year old husband has something like very high functioning aspergers. He is very bright and teaches at University as well as working full time as vice president at a company.

He has zero empathy, which I really started to notice once we had a child. He is extremely organized and is a meticulous planner. His math is extremely good. I find some of his social skills very odd, he is very friendly and social but doesn't seem to remember people or that he has already asked them for example where they work several times in the conversation. He can't remember any facts about a person. I think because he can't truly care about anyone. He displays sympathy but not empathy.

He also repeats himself out loud to the point he is making me angry. He will say the line from a song over and over again until everyone in the room is irritated. He doesn't seem to care that he is irritaing anyone not me or our kids. If it not a line from a song, it's nonsense words like ". It seems he cannot stop himself.

Any ideas? I'm thinking divorce - so many of my morning start badly because he irritates me so.
Jan 24, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Nick: my son is 3 has SPD
by: Anonymous

I have a 3 year old boy who has been diagnosed with SPD.

He does repeat words a lot, usually when he is tired or stressed about something. Sounds like this is a classic symptom of SPD kids. Usually I would try to distract him if I could with toys and games or provide him with a different sensory activity.

We started OT a 3 weeks ago. At home we try to work with his sensory needs by having some chew (teething) toys around, little palm-sized little toys he can play with, crash pad/ bean bag, sensory table... But sometimes all he needs is a tight squeeze -- our OT says it's a very calming activity to SPD kids but be aware sometimes they may not want the tight hug.

Also-- we took him to a Naturopathic Doctor and got him a food sensitivity test. Many food items on the list came back as positive. So now my son is gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free. It's been a month and we're seeing dramatic changes in his behavior. He is SO much calmer, lis listening better at school and sleeping better. So maybe to get a food sensitivity test or try cutting off certain highly allergenic food items from his diet to see if that helps. Best wishes to you.
Jan 21, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		repeating i am so tired.
by: Anonymous

i have been married for 20 plus years, not all have been great most have. the repeating is about to get to me. i noticed it every now and again at first, then it has gotten progressively worse. what do i need to do before my husband drives me batty? he gets ill if you act like you have heard what he says before. i would really like to help him. i don't think he even realizes it happens as much as it does.
Jan 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Recent SPD Diagnosis
by: Stacey

My four year old son was diagnosed with SPD about a month ago. He was delayed in his speech -- he only said a few words until he was 2.5 years old -- but no flags ever went up. His doctor recommended speech therapy at his four year check-up and he started six weeks later. An OT who works with the same company called in November saying she'd been asked to do an evaluation on our son. Although he displayed many quirks, my husband had put it off as age related. We had the evaluation done and was told our son is hypersensitive to touch, hyposensitive to movement, and has auditory filtering issues (shows signs of being both hyper and hype-sensitive). In addition, he tested eleven months behind in motor skills. He began OT two weeks ago.

I am writing all this to give you an idea of our son. Many behaviors now make sense but many I still wonder if they are age related or SPD related. One quirk is the repeating of sentences over and over, to the point I feel like screaming (I don't). It is as if he doesn't realize we have heard him, even when we acknowledge him. He will keep repeating sentences until I guess he gets tired of it, because our answering him, calmly, rarely causes him to stop. Is this possibly related to SPD? I read responses but I am still not positive.

His pediatrician has referred us to a developmental clinic connected to a children's hospital for further testing, but it may be a month or so before we get in. In the meantime, I will make note of everything I *think* may be related to SPD to take with us.

I am new to this, I'm scared (because my child has changed dramatically in the last year, but more so in the last six months), and it's stressful. Thank you all for your help.
Oct 08, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		repeating phrases
by: camilla

My son will be turning 7 and has been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, as well as anxiety and OCD. HE is CONSTANTLY repeating phrases and questions....especially when he is anxious or stressed. to the point where it absolutely consumes him and he completely tunes out that you are indeed answering him. Is this purely a symptom associated with SPD...or could it be that he has a form of aspergers or something else.
Jul 14, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Autism, Seizure Disorder and Medications
by: Anonymous

1. Toddlers love repetition. That's why you really have to start watching your language when kids are about 18 to 24 months, becuase they will hear you say something, and before you know it they've repeated a four-letter word to your mother-in-law.

It is entirely normal for a two-year-old to want to play the same game, look at the same picture book, or watch the same movie, a hundred times, but it is not normal for a four-year-old.

A lot of kids go through a period where they will ask questions until you just want to tell them to shut up (around two or three), but if they're carrying the repetitive behavior beyond age four or five, there's definately a problem, like the child who asks for milk, above. Talk to you child's doctor, specialist or therapist.

In autistic children, repetitive behavior, including repeating the same questions or phrases over and over, is common and is called 'stimming'. It's unfortunately the same inward behavior as spinning plates or other autistic oddities. Anger from the parents will only make it worse. Gently tell the child that they have already said that, and ignore the repetition.

Stimming is a comforting activity for the child.

If you have questions, it's better to talk to a doctor and start to get help for the child than to ignore the behavior and have it get worse.

Brandy: Every child is different. Not every child potty-trains magically at exactly 24 months. It's actually a good sign that your child is copying older children.

Tammy: This doesn't sound like autism. Something happened a month earlier; I have no idea what. Did a teacher, or teacher's aide leave? His behavior sounds like the juvenile version of Post Tramatic Stress Disorder. I would try sitting on the floor hugging him tight and rocking him, softly telling him, 'You can always have milk', or 'You are a good boy', when he gets in these loops.

2. In adults, the repetitive behavior may indicate brain issues like seizure disorder (epilepsy) or medication problems. The repettion itself may actually be a low-intensity seizure. Seizure disorder usually manifests either before puberty or after age 60; if you see this kind of repetition behavior in either age group, a doctor should be notified. Seizures erode the brain.

3. There are medications that can stop this kind of repetitive behavior, and unfortunately, some medications that can cause this kind of behavior.

Above, a poster talks about MS; there are plenty of drugs for MS that have this as an unfortunate side effect.




May 04, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Helpful Response - To Cathy
by: Anonymous

Cathy, your symptoms sound exactly like the form of OCD my mother has and it is called 'Ruminating'...you get something in your head or in your thoughts and you obsess about it. My mother is on the lowest dosage of prozac and she feels like it was her saving grace. Her Ruminating started when she was young and got much worse after having children. My mother had 4 children and 2 of us have OCD...mine is with numbers, touching and repeating and my brothers has to do with washing. I heard a young child that was 10 years old and had OCD once say "To have OCD is like every day lasting a month." You don't have to live like this and all the best to you.
Apr 30, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating the last word.......
by: Laura

Hi, I came here while researching the issue of my nephew. And while it seems that his was not as bad as most of what I read, I thought I should share our experience with Martin.

When he was about 4 years old, Martin started repeating the last word of a sentence, in a lower voice, almost to himself.

Unfortunately or fortunately, I am not sure, we never took it seriously. Our mother tongue is Spanish, and Martin came to the US when he was 3. We thought it was just an oddity of his learning process, that he found those sounds in English 'interesting'.

We found the whole thing very amusing, and he would laugh with us. He said he had no idea why he was doing it.

The whole episode lasted less than a year and I am happy to say, it went away on its own. He just turned 15 and he is perfectly healthy!!

I hope to help the few who mentioned the same symptoms. Good luck to all those others seeking answers.
Mar 27, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		I too repeat and am looking for answers.
by: Cathy

I am 54 yrs. old and have MS. I have been ill for 12 years but am doing good considering. Then about 9 months ago I noticed that my mind was repeating things I heard on TV. Not out loud just to myself so of what was said. Then after a while I became aware that I was repeating my own thoughts, again not out loud. Just to myself. This is not a all the time thing it seems to come and go at this time and be worse at certain times though I don't know why. I have asked my doctors and they say I must be crazy... guess I need to keep looking for another doctor. Good Luck to you all.
Mar 19, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Brother with an issue
by: Anonymous

I have a 70 years old brother who constantly repeats himself to the point of annoying everyone he talks to. Most often the time it ends up in an argument. He is clueless that the other person never gets to say anything. It seems to get worst with age. Is this a medical condition that he has going on. Also is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids.
Mar 19, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		To Nick (December 2011).
by: Another Nick

It sounds like OCD.
One thing you might want to try is DHA/omega 3 supplementation. There's compelling evidence that this can help in many cases. Look it up.

(For example, this link:
http://www.epa1.co.uk/Omega_3_OCD.asp)

Anyways, my son who is 4 has traits as well, one of which is that he washes his hands a lot. We notice that he is a lot better when he is on dha, and that it reverts back about 2 days after he is off dha.

Nick
Jan 30, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		PERSEVERATION
by: Paul frm philippines

hey. i also have this repeating ding-a-ling words over and over. i just can't stop it. it feels like there's something just not right or something might happen when i don't get the exact sound exactly what i want it to be. it feels irritating sometimes that out of nowhere there will be a word or phrase comes to my mind and i need to get it SO right. by the way, i'm 21. and i just recently had this kind of thing. i somehow attribute this as PERSEVERATION thing. what can i do with this? Thanks guys.
Jan 27, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		my son has spd too
by: Anonymous

my son has spd too he is 7 he constantly repeats himself and asks the same question over and over, he doesnt sleep too well either. the docs reckons its anxiety
Jan 08, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		from jessie, my thoughts
by: Jessie

feeling overwhelmed
by: Nick

To me it sounds like autism.
Dec 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		RE: NICK
by: Anonymous

Nick: Your post echos our situation and son almost completely. It is as if I wrote it myself. If you see this post, I would love to touch base with you via email. My husband and I are getting terribly frustrated with the behaviours and very anxious for advice with dealing with them. We would love to compare notes.

Email: craigandheather@eastlink.ca
Dec 27, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		repeating words
by: Anonymous

hi im 17 year old boy,and im not social person i like to be alone sometime and at school i always walk alone set in the back set and i hate making friends cuz they teez me all time.
my problem is i cant talk straight
like (hhhhhhhi mmmmmmyyy nnnnname iis) and i dont know why i do that and sometimes i repeat the same words over and over, that made my parents mad at me some times so im the only one in ma family that do that and i feel bad about that i feel like im not fit in ma family or in public, so if any one could help me please add me on aboody94@live.com
Dec 26, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		feeling overwhelmed
by: Nick

Hello everyone, I have found hope while reading this forum. Hope that we are not alone. My son is six, he will be seven in January. He is in a solid, happy, loving family environment and always has been. he has eaten well his whole life and either myself or my wife have read too/with him every night at bedtime. He is a very bright, intelligent boy with an imagination to rival that of Walt Disney, he can describe the many "worlds" in his head in such infinite detail and explain the people that live there and what they are doing etc. etc. over the past few years he has had a number of "traits".

when we think back, the first noticeable one was when he was about 18month - 2 years old, where he would wipe his face constantly, leaving lines of dirt/food/juice on his cheeks from his mouth to his ears! other traits have included "softing" where after touching something he would HAVE to go back and stroke it repeatedly because he had "scratched" it. this progressed to waving his head about while walking to "soft" the air behind him because he had "scratched" it, all this HAD to be done or "his head would explode" (his own words). we went through "Hmmmmm-ing" where he would constantly Hmmm over and over and over, a sound that you just couldn't block out (this one drove us nuts), his current one is to repeat an affirmative "ok/Yes/No" or even just the end of a sentence.

"Nathan, Can you get dressed please?", "Ok, ok,ok, ok daddy, ok daddy, ok, ok daddy, ok, ok, ok, ok, ok, ok daddy" etc.etc. when asked why he does it he says that he needs to get it "right" we are struggling to be honest as its not something you can simply ignore or even turn off from.

Any advice would be SO welcome. We are awaiting referrals from the hospital.
Dec 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		like
by: Anonymous

I'm twenty and when I'm talking I tend to say like repeatedly while I'm talking, and i dont even realize it. Why do you think I do this?
Sep 18, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		repeating words in 3s
by: witch103158@aol.com

My granddaughter is also turning 3 . She repeats like on word in each sentence 3 times . Is this normal? For example can't remember exactly however she will say . Grandma sissy, sissy, sissy is at school. Would like feedback. She is extremely outgoing and appears on the mark so i don't think it is serious. I was thinking perhaps that she is thinking really hard of her next word and repeats her words until she gets her thought process.
Sep 01, 2011
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starstarstarstar 		repeat 3 times
by: mimi

My daughter/granddaughter is 3 just turned. She seems to repeat things in 3's; however only questions. But as I said only in 3,s. Also is it normal when asked a question they don't seem to comprehend what your saying, such as a small do u want this one or that one. She is super smart, full sentences, helps with chores, does what I ask when asked, well for the most part. Function seems very good but small little I guess u could say glitches.
Aug 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeats self silently
by: Tricia

My daughter is 7yrs old. She repeats what she just said silently, you can see her lips moving and she says the same thing. I have never heard of this SPD.
Aug 10, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		31 year old repeating
by: Anonymous

My husband has,throughout his life done certain repeating processes.when he was younger he used to make a 'clucking' sound in the back of his throat and make different noises with his mouth.this comes on and off.he has more recently got stuck on certain words and repeats the same letters and sounds over and over until he can move on.in the last three weeks he is constantly repeating parts of words as he sits watching tv,reading a book,listening to the radio.the doctor does not know who to refer him to.any ideas what the problem is?
Jul 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		repeating words
by: sam

Hi i have a son that is 2 n a half
he 2 keeps repeating words such as dora or rainbow

If i repeat the same word he says he stops but he does move on to another word within 5 mins.

He has been refer d to a child pediatric
also a speech therapist.

haven't a clue why he does this any one been here before with the same thing.
Jul 02, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		ocd anxiety repeating wds
by: Anonymous

I recently wrote bout my ten year old repeating sentences. He st johns wort drops, and pure calm drops have helped sooo much. Nativeremedies.com. his ocd, and repeating is completely gone.
Jul 01, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		I cant help it
by: Anonymous

I am a boy at age 12, and I usually repeat the same sentence to my mom, over and over again, sometimes she also have to repeat her sentence or I will feel not good at all, and I just cant stop before I get a feeling that it is okay, time to stop. By the way, sometimes she just goes, and it stops. But if I tell her, ~Go, then it will stop~, it wont work. she has to do it alone. its KILLING me. i hope i get over it soon.
Jun 27, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		repeating
by: Anonymous

My six year old son repeats the same questions over and over. He was diagnosed with ASD PDD-NOS at 4 1/2 yrs old. He is very smart and high functioning. He runs in circles, flaps his hands, has OCD like behavior. It seems when he is stressed or over anxious, the tics and repeating questions get worse.

The one thing I am learning from all this is that calmness and patience help ALOT. I also like to redirect and make him laugh when we are really having a trying day. When he was first diagnosed, they told me he had autism spectrum disorder. I like to say it is autism spectrum difference. He just is different and unique, as we all are.

If you feel in your gut as a parent that something is not "right" with your child, start with the pediatrician. Let the doctor know what is concerning you and if he/she does not want to listen, find a doctor that will. Good Luck to you all.
Jun 26, 2011
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starstarstarstar 		Repeating Myself
by: Amy

When i was a little kid about the age of 4 I would say a sentence and say the last word to myself over and over Then I would say it in my mind over and over I couldn't help myself. I was wondering what this was called.
Jun 25, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		repeating words and sentences
by: Jackie

My daughter was a little over 3 I am dealing with same issue with repeating same words and sentences all day long right now its happy birthday baby happy birthday tree happy birthday mommy and a hundred other happy birthdays a day to every object in our house she was diagnosed with sensory disorder at 18mo old she is in a school 2 and half hrs a day with other children with sensory and autism is helping but really slow pace. Any advise for the repeating? Also I saw people mentioning vitamins Are they for children? Please let me know Thank You email www.jixsr23@aol.com
May 26, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Vitamins
by: Anonymous

I am also interested in the vitamins. What are they called?

Thank you
Mar 29, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		talking
by: Anonymous

So glad im not on my own. Reading all these comments made me feel a lot better. my little boy has just turned 3 and all day long from morning till night he repeats words such as bowling, party and biscuit, in the hundreds. its wearing me out, and it is stressful. at times he can be ok for a few hours at a time then start off again, any tips? =)
Mar 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		My daughter Annie
by: Anonymous

What Vitamins are You talking about?
Please, send me an e-mail - jmurcott@btinternet.com

Thank You
Margaret
Dec 06, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ocd / ANXIETY
by: Anonymous

My son is 10 years old, and about six months ago started lining things up perfectly (shoes, towels). Nothing could be lined up perfect enough. He quit doing this about one month after he started it, only because we forced him to walk away and leave things if they were not perfect. He scratches his words off constantly at school, because they are not perfect enough.

He started CBT classes and learned the Fear Steps to try and deal with his anxiety. He has OCD / anxiety. Recently he too has started repeating words and sentences....Because he says something tells him to say it again and again... He also explains things over and over... I discovered true hope a few months ago, and did notice a huge improvement with him...but the problem is it tastes awful to him, and we have to force him to drink it... but basically all it is, is Vitamins...research it, there are a lot of doctors who are actually recommending it to their patients, even children... I just wish my son would learn to swallow the pills that they offer....truehope.com
Nov 11, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeat
by: Anonymous

My sister, in her 30s, repeats a thought or event over and over. She says it every time as if it were the first time she ever said it. It can be very tiring to listen to the same sentence or story 100 times. Not kidding. I am glad I found this site to educate myself with possible causes.
Sep 28, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		I kinda have the same problem
by: Courtney

I do this too, except for i always do it in my mind. i'll just be thinking and have a need to keep repeating it to myself. but i never do it outloud. it really bothers me, because i cant stop it
Aug 11, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Almost 6 yr. old daughter constantly repeating
by: Anonymous

I am glad to have found this page. Out of the blue, my almost six yr. old girl is repeating sentences, or thoughts, day in and day out, incessantly. I'm told by her camp counselor that she doesn't do this during the day, but like someone else has shared on here, she leashes it all out on me when I pick her up at the end of the day. She also says she's constantly thinking mean things about me and others and that she can't help it, the thoughts to say these things keep coming to her head. I'll be doing more research but just wanted to share and say that I can relate. Thank you all for being so honest on here.
Jul 19, 2010
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starstarstarstar 		I have to repeat things
by: Anonymous

I have a problem that might be similar to this that gets on my family's nerves. I'm 17, an A* student and am usually a very quiet and shy person who takes a back seat in most activities. In general I don't fit in very well around most people and sort of feel that I'm not permitted to speak to them. However, in the past year it's come to my attention that if I hear or remember a phrase I like I will repeat it very loudly, sometimes for hours on end in the exact same way it is spoken.

Past examples include an entire section of dialogue from a film where a character shouts "I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!" and "Everybody in the club get tipsy." I sometimes even repeat phrases that are in a foreign language. This usually happens at home and towards nighttime but I've startled friends at school before with a sudden episode of evil laughter and hissing that lasted about half an hour. I know it's annoying but I really can't help it, my parents tell me to stop it when I start repeating something and I say "okay" and fall silent for a minute or two, but then I say it again without even realising the words have slipped out of my mouth and it's like a tic, it just comes and I have to say it.

I don't know if this has anything to do with it either, but my mum told me that as a child I'd watch/read certain books and films over and over again until I knew them by heart and I'd often recite it back. I don't entirely remember this, all the films she told me I watched are ones I absolutely hate now. However I can still recite the first few lines from a book I used to read when I was three years old. Lord knows what happened to it, I haven't seen it for almost 10 years.
Jun 14, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		repeating sentences
by: Anonymous

My 9 year old daughter does this all the time. it's been going on for years. i talked to her about why she does this. she told me that her mind says for her to keep saying the same sentence over & over until she gets the response she is looking for. which is usually the word {o.k.} she said she wants me to answer her in the right tone,it has to be "just right". i explained to her that it is impossible for me to know what is "just the right answer". she said, "i know mommy but i just can't help it." she gets very frustrated with me.

she cries when my response is not just right to her mind. she also said sometimes even if i do say it just right her mind says, say it again until it feels o.k.. she doesn't want anyone to know that she does this she hides it very well from others. she only does it with her dad & i. when she goes to school she suppresses it all day. but when i pick her up she unleashes it all on me. at times it has gone on for hours. she is hysterical, crying, screaming, kicking. when this happens i make her go to her room and forbid her from coming out. she will stay in her room for about half an hour. then she comes out as if a new person. she'll say i'm sorry mommy. she also said i'm glad you made me go to my room because if i couldn't see you the urge to repeat wasn't as strong. i hope this maybe helps you or someone else struggling with this type of behavior. GOD BLESS
Jun 01, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		lack of attention
by: Anonymous

Some children either have a lack of attention from people or they get what seems to be adequate attention to an adult and they simply dont think its enough... what needs to be remembered is that children and adults see things from a totally different point of view. So just because you think your child gets proper attention from you and others doesn't mean that your child sees it the same way.. i find it easier to understand alot of things when i put myself in my kids shoes and try to look from his eyes by thinking about how i seen things as a child. Hope this helps some of you also.
May 18, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating
by: Jennifer

Just throwing this out there-repeating words is also a sign of OCD or PANDAS ( a strep induced OCD). Might be worth looking into for some of you.
Apr 27, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Brain Based Therapy (BBT)
by: Tammy

For all questions here, please go to
www.lifechangingcare.com

Locate a physician in your area & call to make a consult appt for your child. After consult & exam, make the commitment to follow it through the entire way.
The therapy is called "Brain Based Therapy" (BBT) Google it to learn more. There is also a book available & the author is Dr. Michael Johnson. I "THINK" the name of it is....What to Do When Medicine Does Not Work".

Note: I have not put my son on RX & never will.
Good luck to all!
Apr 27, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		my daughter is three
by: brandee

My daughter is three and has been repeating sentence for awhile now, i can answer her and she still repeats it.. over and over.. she has gotten to where she covers her ears if she heres a loud noise and asks what is that.. she twirls a strand of her hair only on her left side and she never does it on the right side.. i just notice new things everyday.. its scary because it makes me think something is wrong with her.. does anyone have any advice?? you can email me nomore212005@yahoo.com
Apr 26, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		my son and his autism
by: Anonymous

My son is 9 years old. He repeats himself constantly. He is hyper and throws things, he pees in cups and makes messes all the time. It's very stressful, but we are doing the best we can. They say he will grow up and grow out of it eventually.
Apr 07, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		adhd or tics or anxiety? help!
by: Anonymous

Thats really interesting because my 7 year old son was diagnosed last year with ADHD and Tics and for the last 3 weeks he has constantly been asking "do i look ok?" he repeats this every 5 mins and i always say yes you do, i dont know what else to do, sometimes i get angry with him and tell him to stop it and he says "i cant help it!"

Is this all to do with his adhd or tics or i am beginning to think its anxiety?
Apr 01, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating
by: Tammy

My son is 3 years old and about 6 months ago he was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and severe separation anxiety. We got him in Pre-School Intervention and started him in play therapy. He was already involved with Speech Therapy since age 2. About a month after he started school and began play therapy, we started seeing substantial improvements in his social skills, speech and behavior.

He was making awesome improvements until about a month ago. He has recently started repeating himself over and over again. Not only does he repeat himself, he mixes crying and whining with it. Ex. " I want some milk, I want some milk, I want some milk... ) I will ask him to hold on for one second and I will get him some milk but he continues to say it and cry. Eventually I get tired of it and tell him that if he does not stop, he will not get any milk, or he will have to go to time out.

Nothing I say or do to him makes him stop. Once he is finished saying this, then he goes to something else " I wanna be a good boy, I wanna be a good boy" I tell him that he is a good boys but he is not doing the right things, then he says " I wanna do the right thing, I wanna do the right thing. I then tell that if he wants to do the right thing, he needs to stop crying. then he started " I wanna stop crying, I wanna stop crying... On and on and on. I have tried all that I know to do and me and my husband ( his father) are at our wits end.

Can someone please help us identify what is going on, what can be a cause and how we need to handle this situation. Anyone else been through this. Am I just crazy, or is this normal behavior for a 3 year old?
Feb 11, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating/potty training...is all connected???
by: Brandy

Seeing all the comments...I don't feel so alone. My son used to repeat questions we asked him alot! He was two at the time, and now that he is 3 he only does it so often. His pre-school teach seems to think he has a problem because of it. He whispers at times too. He would whisper alot, and now that I've gotten on him, not so much.

I don't know if anyone elses child is also having a problem with potty training, but mine is. He doesn't like it alot of times and they think it is all connected. His asst. teacher said he copies two fo the older boys in his class. She said if they say or do something, he will too. It's not all the children, just the two boys that he plays with. I'm praying that as he gets older, this will all just go away. I don't like the feeling of someone looking at my child like they have mental issues. That is not a good feeling.
Feb 18, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repeating sentences
by: Tammy

My son is 5, almost 6. He was diagnosed w/ SPD at age 3 and ADHD just last year. I noted your question was concerning the repeating of a sentence... not words. My son does the same repeating of sentences... not words.

I do know that the repeating of sentences is a characteristic, but have not gotten the "Why". With you being the grandparent, I can tell you it can drive a parent up the wall at times. My son is very persistent when he does it. We have our own way of dealing w/ it. Asking him questions or responding w/ a comment, such as, "That is enough. I heard you the first time. There is no need to repeat yourself... unless I ask you to. So...how many times do you need to say something"??? With this, he knows his answer is "One time" & the repeating of sentences will stop for awhile. Yes, the repeating will get better w/ age.

Kudos to you, the grandparent for searching for answers & trying to understand. None of our family is local & all live in different states. This has pros & cons both. As a parent who has been through a lot w/ my mother in-law, please know the very best thing you can do is to provide loving support & understanding w/ your children, the parents of your grandson. Listen to them, verbally show your support.

It is also very hard on any strong marriage. You can help by offering to give them breaks by taking care of him for a day or two. Or while they get away together to focus on each other & re-energize. Also, let them know you want to help & make things easier. Ask them how you can help. Any type of loving support is what they need from you & the rest of the extended family.

At the same time, assuring them know that you WILL follow (And respect)their requests in handling situations while he is in your care. I can tell you doing anything else will only cause tension, hard feelings & they will not open up, talk to you & allow you to know what is taking place in your grandson's life. You will be left in the dark. My mother in-law has gotten much better, but had to learn this the hard way. We already had enough to deal with without the added crap & it only made everything worse. Again, kudos to you!
Feb 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		repeating words and sentences,echolalia?
by: Ericka

I am on this journey myself, trying to find out why my son does the things he does. I have seen certain forms of repeating words endlessly, called echolalia, in young children with autism. For them, it seems to be just like playing with sounds. They enjoy the sound and the action of making the sounds, and sometimes this is even how they learn language.

Now with my son, it isn't that-exactly. My son usually speaks naturally and has a clear understanding of what he is saying. But there are times-like when he is bored, riding in the car, or even just not really thinking about what he is doing-when he repeats sound in a very similar way.

Lately he has discovered the word "albatross". I think he heard it in an episode of Scooby Doo. However he learned it, he is certainly not talking about ocean birds when he says albatross. He just likes saying it.

For months, he has had a saying that makes no sense-"bobby league past paced lives". I have tried and tried to understand what it means. At this point, I don't think it means anything at all. He just starts saying it, over and over, when he has nothing else to say.

Once he gave me a description of it-that bobby is a priest who brings back people's past lives. That explanation was so bizarre, I prefer to think he was just making something up because I asked for an explanation.

NOW TO THE REASON-I don't know the reasons for your child. Personally, I believe my son has Aspergers or High Functioning autism. His OT agrees with me about this and we are going to MCV/VCU in March for an eval.

This type of repetitive word play is an autism - like behavior. I am not saying your child has autism! I certainly don't have the right to say that. I am just sharing with you why I think my son does these same things.

What do other people think?
Jan 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reponse to repetition
by: Anonymous

I have a 6 year old granddaughter who does the very same thing. She repeats, repeats, and repeats the same thing to what seems to be 100 times. Her kindergarten teacher is suspecting SPD but we have not had a diagnosis yet. She was just diagnosed for ADHD. I'm like you, is this normal for SPD? Thanks for sharing!

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