Loud or silly noises - any suggestions?

[TrinnyandSatsuma]

Posting again for some advice and voices of experience.

Some background......our boy has been with us two months, and is nearly five. When he was in foster care, he occasionally made noises. For example, screeching, babbling type noises, "neeeee naaaaaaah" etc. We never saw or heard this during introductions, but over the last few weeks, it has got more prevelant.

He will shout and say "aaaaahhhhhh" or make noises quite often now. We have tried a few tactics, but are generally ignoring them. Not ignoring him of course, just not reacting to the noises.

I suspect they are just a form a regression. A bit like babbling before he learned to talk. Maybe it's a way of releasing emotions he can't yet articulate, and doesn't want to keep inside. Maybe it's a way of dealing with anxiety? For that reason, we are not trying to stop him making the noises, in case it's a healthy expression of something that he needs to get out.

We have tried saying "is there something you want to say?" But he just shakes his head. We do ask him not to screech or make noises when people are talking though.

I suppose my question is - has anyone else experienced this? Should we deal with it another way?

Thanks all!

[SundaySimmons]

When he does it, would you consider asking him a question?

Nothing related to the noise, just a question he has to answer?

Do you like ham or cheese sandwiches best?

What is your favourite colour?

Etc etc

distracting him from making the noises may help him keep it under control.

[Gunznroses]

I would also observe when he does them as there could be underlying medical reasons for the noises, e.g are they completely out of context, are they involuntary? Children with adhd also tend to make lots of 'silly noises' which may stop when told to but start all over again soon later, it could also be a symptom of Tourettes which could explain why it wasn't that much at before but now it seems to have increased as the associated tic wax and wane over time.

I'd also have him seen by a doctor although it can be quite hard to dignose right away as he may not make the noises whilst at the doctors, look out for any other 'oddities' you may have overlooked and thought 'oh its just a habit!'

[fasparent]

Could be a result of early development delay not picked up as a baby, We have had many a baby with this. You need too look into BM History
it is usual due too drug misuse which effect the development of the larynx. Some times effect speech sounds later in that children speak with squeaky voice.

[fasparent]

Sorry should have said the early sighs in baby's are crying tend too cry make high pitched sounds like a sea gull , tonged tends too droop out of mouth, get significant better as baby develops but gets frustrated as can not progress hence the growling , this can be controlled as we are experiencing at the moment (8 month's). It slows down the speech development. Baby is now in a habit situation but bless him he knows
and co operated in trying too control , this save's wear on his vocal development.

[fasparent]

Could be a result of early development delay not picked up as a baby, We have had many a baby with this. You need too look into BM History
it is usual due too drug misuse which effect the development of the larynx. Some times effect speech sounds later in that children speak with squeaky voice.

[Bananaketchup]

Watching with interest, as my DD (5) makes noises, I think when anxious/stressed, usually a high pitched 'beep' or screeching. I also try to ignore them as I think it's just her letting out tension. I do find it grating though!

[Kidsarehardworkbutgoodfun]

It could be vocal tics- unvoluntary noises over which he has little or no control.
Tics are common enough in young children, and it's best to be relaxed about them. Children usually grow out of them.
Tourettes is diagnosed when an individual exhibits multiple different motor (movement) and vocal (sound) tics. These are meant to be present for at least one year. It's a complex disorder, with many facets to it.

In the first place I would just keep an eye on him- maybe keep a diary. Does he do any repetitive movements? Even blinking repeatedly for no good reason?

Please don't panic about the possibility of Tourettes. Two of mine have it - it's severe enough that they need medication, but with the right help they're doing fine.

[yourehavingalaugh]

Yes my adopted child has just been diagnosed with Tourettes. The psychiatrist spotted it within seconds when he met her. She barks and meows - I should have known!