Child referring to himself in the third person. Is this normal?

[Pterrydactyl]

When DC2 (9yrs) is talking, a lot of the time he’s not using “I” or “me” when referring to himself. He’s using his name instead.

So, for example, he’ll say “Matthew wants x”, “Matthew did y” and so on rather than “I want x”, “I did y”

This isn’t a new thing but I’ve been noticing it a lot more often recently. I don’t think he even realises he’s doing it.

I’m just wondering how normal this is for a child.

At age 9 I would say that was unusual. Does he exhibit any other unusual behaviour?

He’s been quite anxious recently.

And the school are wanting to refer him for an occupational therapy assessment, but I’ve not yet managed to catch the SENCO to ask if there was a specific reason why.

My DS does it. He's older now and I don't think anything of it.

Unusual.

I would say it sounds like an affectation that has now become a habit.
Is the rest of his speech usually grammatically correct?
Could you ask him why or if he notices?

DS did it as a preschooler, aged 9 is a bit odd I’d have said. Not necessarily pathological of anything, but a bit odd.

Speak to the Senco, see what her concerns are. If it is just the third person speech I’d put it down to an affectation he’ll probably grow out of, but if there is anything else you might want to see your GP.

Unusual for us, my DC have never done this nor any of their friends that I'm aware of.

My DS did this at about age 12.

He was going through a really bad time (his father had just upped and moved out unexpectedly - to an OW obviously).

I took him for counselling, and he spoke in the third person there. The psychologist asked him why he was doing it but he never got to the bottom of it. He overcome his issues, and the speaking in third person also went away.

He's absolutely fine now.

Could it be disassociating? If he is going through a tough time.

Unusual. My son did this when learning to speak, as a toddler