ADHD non stop talking…. any tips?

[cakecoffeecakecoffee]

DS4 isn’t diagnosed but I believe has ADHD.

one of his many symptoms is that he talks absolutely nonstop every waking hour, literally nonstop.
he has no volume control at all, he speaks incredibly loudly.
he will get stuck in a cycle of repeating the same thing over and over again.
he talks to himself nonstop when he’s playing by himself too.

It’s impossible to get him to listen. It’s impossible to get him to stop for a few moments.

it drives me pretty nuts. It drives my DH completely and utterly insane.

every tip I read, I’ll try, but nothing seems to work.

anyone else had any success in managing this? Thanks.

If I respond he sees it as encouragement to keep going.

If I don’t respond then he keeps repeating it until I do.

I usually say “that’s great, but telling me once is enough, I’ve heard you”.

I explain about turn taking in conversation. I ask him to listen and repeat back what I say. I keep what I say short and easy.

I have no answers, only solidarity ✊. My one is seven, and also barely stops talking or has volume control. I do wear noise cancelling headphones if it's a long day. 😆 (We all have different needs)

Solidarity here too. Our DD is 9. Has been like that since age 3/4.
4 things that have kept me sane:

• an old iPad. Sorry but once engrossed the talking stops. 2 hours per day. No internet - just educational games (animal crossing good)
• Loop earplugs for me. Reduces sound by about half but I can still hear for emergencies.
• purse diagnosis doggedly. Medication does help. We only started that this year. It takes a long time.
• Martial arts. Encourages focus and discipline. Helps the brain learn those skills. Find a place that has understanding instructors and other kids with similar. Repeat, two or three times a week. DD loves it, and has just got red belt.

Also once you are on the diagnosis journey: understand the talking isn’t deliberate. DC aren’t deliberately trying to annoy or wind you up. They are likely wired differently. The brain gets stuck as you describe. It’s not intentional. It would drive anybody slightly mad, it still does here, I’m human. But I ask try to remind myself of this (on repeat). Hold on in there.

Was going to suggest Martial Arts and loop earrings too and agree that Animal Crossing is great as it's a game built on cooperation.

Are you seeking an assessment for ASD & ADHD.

Thanks.
I may look into loop earplugs. I have auditory sensory issues and find sound generally painful anyway so the nonstop talking is really hard.

I'm very empathetic that it’s absolutely not deliberate. It’s so obvious with all the things he does that it’s not within his control at all.

yes, school have referred him for assessment but we’ll be waiting a while. Just trying our best to manage and make it manageable for him too.