is this normal? | ADHD Information
My almost 9 yr old son has adhd. He takes 10mg focalin xr everyday which helps him focus at school and home. However, after school, my son does not want to always do his homework but would rather play basketball outside by himself - which is fine by me, however, after some time, i notice he goes off to the backyard by himself to play with water and mud and such (I notice he likes talking to himself about imaginary stuff) and I don't know how to approach him about all this. Is it typical behaviour of this age, or adhd or is it ok to let him blow off steam by himself (I prefer to see him play with others but nobody on our block hangs outside (Maybe they are all doing their homework!) Help.I've raised four kids past nine already (three are grown). It's not the norm. My son with high functioning autism tends to talk to himself in his room, but he's talking at the videogames or television. What other behaviors do you see that worry you? This is hard for just another parent to assess, but it has not been my experience that kids at age nine talk to themselves. That's more a toddler behavior. Have you ever asked him about it? Who is he talking to? What is he talking about? Does he talk loudly or softly? Is he a child who understands social norms? Does he only do this when he thinks nobody is looking? Does he have any co-morbid diagnoses so far? Does he ever say he hears or see things that aren't there? I'd talk to him about it. You don't have to make a big deal over it, but you may get some important answers from the source. OlderMom38854.4736689815Well, I'm no expert, but if he plays well with other kids and knows he shouldn't talk to himself in front of others, it doesn't sound really serious to me. If you're concerned, just ask him about it, but don't make a big deal out of it. That's what I'd do.
thanks, i'll try not to make a big deal about it, I just don't lkke seeing him by himselfWhen my son was on stims he too preferred to be by himself and draw and such. It doesn't sound too odd to me.Our 9 yr old daughter always talks to herself. She was in the bathroom the other day looking through her hair-stuff, when I heard her talking. I asked her who was in there with her, or who she's talking too. She said herself. Another time she came in from playing, and asked me a few min later if she could turn the radio on, she said it is to quiet, she can't stand it. She is very social in school, and has friends. Our son is happiest, when can he play outside by himself, digging in the dirt. He's in Kindergarten and has made friends there. I have to add, that we live outside citylimits, and don't have close neighbors with kids. So, they are used to playing alone.Our son on strattera seemed to be more alone. Not all asd kids are loners. I focus on social outside school anyhow. School is for education. A person can get social training by getting involved in outside school activities. This is how we handle this. Scouts allows are son social where he is excepted for who he is. The boys in our pack like Daniel as is. Even gets belt loops for any sport he also is in individual or group. He will be a Webelo 2 this year. This was the best activity he has been in volved in his motor skills have really flurished more since becoming a scout. He even did well in soccer where as before unable to do. Can't wait for his news classs and school it is haveing 4 boys in it for fall. Talked with the teacher today. He is happy about it as well. I know he doesn't like it when he sees me watching him. I know he doesn't do it in front of other children. He is friendly with other kids and does play nicly with others - most of the time. it is just when he is alone in his room or outside by himself when noone is around him. i just wonder if it's antisocial or just because he doesn't have any boys his age to play with on the block when school is out.
rdmom3,the talking I'm not sure about (doesn't really strike me as something to worry about at this time) but i wanted to comment on the "wants to play alone". From the description you gave it sounds like your son could be an introvert. And before anyone conjures negative images of loners and antisocial people, please do realize Introversion is NOT a bad thing. It may be something to look into to either rule it out or to learn how to help him deal with life because introverts do deal with life a little differently than extroverts and treating him like an extravert may cause more stress for him. An excellent book to read is "the hidden gifts of your introverted child" by Dr. Marti Laney (here is the link to it: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/item/books-97 8076113524/0761135243/The+Hidden+Gifts+of+the+Introverted+Ch ild )
Introverts are stressed and physically and mentally drained by a lot of human interaction and dealing with large groups (imagine six-seven hours of school) and the only way for them to recharge their batteries is to spend quiet time ALONE. I may be totally off base here (and apologize if I am), but it sounds like that's exactlywhat your son is doing - recharging his batteries after an exhausting day at school.
And yes, I'm an introvert
Margaret.
P.S. edited to fix a spelling mistake.
mdfa38854.5565277778thanks everyone for all your input it makes me feel a little better!