Hi. I have a little different outlook on this.
My son, when younger, also had language processing and auditory processing issues in addition to the ADHD Inattentive. Actually he still has language processing issues at age 14, they are just not as noticeable. He is one complex child and is also gifted plus has anxiety. Therefore, over the years, I've been to many many specialists.
My son too used to respond inappropriately off topic.
Auditory processing testing, if done correctly, is pretty comprehensive. The valuable testing is usually done in a university teaching setting using specialized equipment in a soundproof booth under very controlled conditions. It is very involved and usually performed by a PHD level audiologist. My son's testing involved a couple of hours of testing over two days each time. We also did testing medicated, and not medicated to see the difference.
Speech language therapists, on the other hand, usually give auditory processing 'screens" which in the professional field, would not be considered full auditory processing testing.
What type of testing was done on your son? Was it an audiologist or a speech path doing the testing?
I've always associated this inappropriate response issue with my son more related to the language and auditory processing deficits than an ADHD issue.
Okiemom
I see this in my son as well. he is 8 and we will be talking about what he did at school and he will ask me how fast a humming bird flies or something off the wall. i don't notice it as much with the medication. He has aslo been going to an intence behavior therepy program and that seems to be helping the most!My daughter can be like this at times as well. It has been less and less this last year... maybe a bit of maturity.
I think it may be part of the ADHD in that these children lag behind other children by about 30%....so he is conversing at a level much more appropriate for a younger child.
My son doesn't talk off topic so much anymore as much as he goes on and on, and on......him telling what he dreamed about last night could take up a 45 minute car drive....I usually can't remember more than a snippet of my dreams, his are epic!
I wouldn't worry too much about it, just point out to him that "That is interesting, honey, but we were talking about ________." It will take many many times of reminding, but he will eventually get it!
Yes, my dd does that also. I think it is part of ADHD. I think they need practice listening, eye-contact, and staying on-topic. You could probably practice with him on that if you think he would cooperate!My son is 6 years old & diagnosed with adhd he is on focalin & it seems to be helping him focus & pay attention better. The one issue that has been ongoing since he was 3 is he often talks off topic. Meaning at home, in school, with friends or even in just general conversation he starts to talk about something totally different then the subject. The dr. has said it is part of the adhd but I have a feeling it is something else. I had him tested for auditroy processing & that came up normal. Has anyone had this issue with their child & know what it could be?
Hi,
Thanks for the info it is very helpful. When you say that your son doesn't seem to talk off topic anymore do you think that is due to maturity or the medicine? The teacher at school keeps bringing this up to me & I'm wondering if he needs a special school or can kids with adhd learn the same as others. What is your experience with schools? Do your children go to regular schools? If so do they require special tutoring on the side & if so who (educational psychologist, licensed teacher etc.)?
Hi, my dd has an IEP so she gets extra help in school. If you think your son could use the help, request an eval by the school. If you request it now, it won't be done until school starts in the fall. They have 60 school days by law to do the eval after it is requested (forms filled out and signed). It's rather a slow process. Check out wrightslaw.com for more info. Good Luck!My doctor explained it as not having the maturity to internalise thoughts. Therefore they say every thought that pops into their heads!!! This is a problem with most small children but as they develop they are able to decide if they need to say each and every point at time of thought. Medication and maturation will help with this! Talking off topic is part of the AD/HD. It combines the difficulty with organization and the impulsiveness. When he is off Ritalin then this behavior shows up again in the relaxed home environment. He is able to control it outside though as reported by teachers when he forgot his meds at school one day. A teacher was actually grateful that he was the mainstay of the literature discussion. He is a senior in high school.Hi,
I am meeting with my educational psychologist & going to talk to him more about this off topic speaking. I also am going to discuss with him the report done by the audiologist to make sure it is correct. You are right I want to make sure there isn't a processing problem. Thanks for all the input.
Meli- I see your son is on focalin my son is on that as well. What are the amino acids & how do they help?