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Behaviour/development

Normal or something to worry about?

8 replies

terramum · 06/09/2007 11:52

DS (3.1) has a phenomenal memory. He has been like a little parrot since he started talking copying words he hears and often quoting lines, even whole scenes from dvds or books and he knows a couple of books of by heart as well. But lately he has also been saying lines in response to questions I ask or situations.

For example....the other day when I was trying to wash his hair (which is something he hates) he said a line from Thomas the Tank engine: "It's not wrong...but we don't do it!" meaning he wanted me to stop....and if he doesn't like a game or toy he quotes Dougal (I think) from the magic roundabout saying something like "what absolutely pathetic junk!"

The stuff he is saying are all relevant to the situation (although it takes me a while sometimes to remember the context of the story/line!) and he will often nod or say yes when I ask if he meant x or y....but I am not sure if this is normal & just something kids do when they can't find the right words to express themselves...or if I should be worried...the paranoid mummy in my head keeps remembering lines from Rainman & other films

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HonoriaGlossop · 06/09/2007 12:36

nah, don't worry. I don't think it's enough to be an indication of autism!

He sounds very clever - finding just the right quote for the right scenario; clever boy!

While I wouldn't direct you to the Gifted and Talented section just yet, I think you probably have a bright boy there!

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legalalien · 06/09/2007 12:43

I wouldn't worry either - mine does this as well (quite flattering to be described as a "Really Useful Mummy" ). DH not so keen on being told that he is "causing confusion and delay" while we wait for him to get ready. I've also had "[name of DS] goes out in the night, the moon is high, the stars are bright" on an evening outing - quote from one of his books, the name of which escapes me.

He also insists that I give detailed accounts of favourite places we've been, to a level of detail that includes who wore what, what each person said etc. etc. I think some people have extremely visual / aural memories - my DH does - he can remember details of meetings he's had four or five years ago - who sat where, who said what, etc.

So, as HG says, I think we've just got children with good memories.

[oh, and for the record, in case I get flamed, DS watches less than an hour of DVDs a day, and no TV]

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HonoriaGlossop · 06/09/2007 12:47

PMSL at your DH being told he's causing 'confusion and delay'!

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Jaynerae · 06/09/2007 13:23

My DS is now 8, he did this as a toddler, he could repeat a story word for word - and not just one then a few weeks later another, he could do it with several books all on the go at the same time. He has always used sentances that were way to old for his age - but always in the right context. We always joked he had been here before!

And he has just had SAT results saying he has the reading age of an 11 year old! He is bright and it sounds like your boy is too. Nothing to worry about - just be proud!

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aloha · 06/09/2007 13:25

Does he have normal conversations at other times? ie asking questions, saying things like 'I like this one' and 'Isn't it a lovely day' and 'Mummy, do you want a cup of tea' etc. Does he interact in a similar way to other children his age? If so, then I really wouldn't worry.

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terramum · 06/09/2007 14:16

Aloha - yes he does talk normally at other times, & we have a LOT of conversations...he never shuts up some days .....Sometimes what he does say sounds odd...but I guess that's because he is picking up on language that DH & I use rather than that of his friends?

Good to know it isn't something to worry about & that other children quote things as well...none of DS's friends do it so I was wondering if is was a bit weird - go to know it isn't!

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pagwatch · 06/09/2007 17:43

When DS1 was in the car with me aged 3 I asked if he was looking forward to going to pre-prep where there would be no girls. When he said yes I asked if he didn't like girls and he said
" its not that I don't like them, I just regard them with the deepest suspicion".
He is now 14 and just a nice average smartish boy. Where he got it from I have no idea....

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HonoriaGlossop · 06/09/2007 18:26

LOL at that, Pag!

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