When a Child Talks Incessantly

When children are excited, children talk more. For children who are naturally enthusiastic, this can mean a lot. Excessive talking is a common trait for children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

They talk a lot because they often have trouble controlling and controlling their reactions. He can blurt out whatever comes to mind (whether it’s appropriate or not) without thinking about receiving their words.

Children and adults with ADHD may also monopolize conversations and talk excessively. Some parents may refer to this as “oral diarrhea.” It’s like hyperactivity with words.

Talking too much can be difficult for children, parents and teachers alike. Children with ADHD may feel embarrassed when others are offended by their interactions, while adults and peers may feel like they can’t get a moment’s respite (or a word aside). But you can take steps to curb over-communicating and inappropriate comments to make sure this common ADHD trait doesn’t affect your child’s school and social life.

Getting the right support, accommodations, and treatment for your child’s ADHD is an important first step. You can also talk to your child about how to help them manage their interactions. This can include offering rewards and providing visual or physical signals to others when they need to change.

Why children with ADHD may talk too much

In general, children with ADHD often have problems with “too much behavior.”

There is nothing wrong with being talkative or energetic. The problem is that children with ADHD struggle to manage these tendencies, especially in school settings where they need to take turns or listen instead of talking.

In addition, there are several characteristics of ADHD that can lead to excessive talking.

• hyperactivity: Hyperactivity can present as physical and/or verbal overactivity, including excessive talking, interrupting others, monopolizing conversations, and not letting others talk.
• Practical language: Talking too much is also related to the practical, or social use of language. Language problems, including pragmatics, are common in about half of children with ADHD.
• Difficulty with social cues: Many children with ADHD have trouble picking up and reading social cues, which can make it difficult to take turns in a conversation.
• Self control: ADHD can interfere with a child’s ability to control themselves and manage impulsive behavior, such as blurting out comments at inappropriate times.
• Treatment: Although not common, one study found that a child with ADHD had increased verbal output 45 minutes after taking Ritalin (methylphenidate).

Excessive communication often persists into adulthood. Helping children find ways to properly manage and express themselves can help them both now and as they age.

How to manage excessive talking

Coping with overactivity and lack of self-control can be very frustrating for a child with ADHD. Their lack of impulse control and filtering can be confusing or even off-putting to others who don’t understand the behavior.

That’s why it’s so important to work with your child to manage this difficult symptom. Here are some options to try if you’re wondering, “How do I stop my child from talking all the time?”

Talk to your child’s team

The first thing to do is talk to your child’s doctor, who may want to prescribe or change medications or refer your child to a psychologist or occupational therapist to discuss more. If left untreated, it can impair your child’s learning and social life.

It is also important to involve your child’s teacher. Tell them about your child’s excessive talk and share any strategies you find helpful when working on this trait.

Solve the problem with your child

The next thing is to sit down with your child when they are focused enough and able to talk and problem solve. Address the communication/blurring issue with them and come up with a plan to reduce over-talking. Your child may be interested in establishing a reward system to help encourage this change in behavior.

It might be a signal that you put your hand on their shoulder as a reminder to stop when they’re walking. A physical signal, such as touching their shoulder, is often stronger than a visual signal, such as a finger to the lips, but you may want to try using both signals together.

It may help if you associate the signal with self-talk. In other words, when you put your hand on their shoulder or your finger on their lips, your child says, either out loud or in their head, “I need to stop myself from talking right now” or something similar.

Strengthen social skills

Unfortunately, excessive communication can make it difficult for children with ADHD to make and keep friends and be accepted in a larger peer group. When your child is young, you’ll need to play the role of “friendship coach,” as you carefully plan playdates and activities that will create opportunities for friendship development.

Before you get them, review and practice some basics that can help build good social skills, including taking turns in conversation, listening, showing interest in the other child, and speaking in a normal tone of voice. Your child’s teacher (and coach or other adult caregiver) can also play a role in social skills training.

How to manage inappropriate comments

For situations in which your child blurts out inappropriate things, teach them how to delay their response by counting to five before making a comment, and then Practice, practice, practice. This is another new skill that will require a lot of modeling and support from you.

Also, it’s important to give your child frequent and immediate feedback on their behavior and tell them what they’re doing better.

Tips for parents and carers

To help your child communicate more than he needs to, it’s important to be calm and patient. It’s not always easy when you’re stressed, frustrated, and need a quiet moment to yourself. Some strategies that can help you cope include:

Set boundaries and give yourself some space

If you need a break, give your child a chore or project to work on or ask another household member to chat with them while you take a few minutes to yourself.

Create a quiet zone

Establish a quiet place at home where the goal is to be quiet or talk quietly. This could include a room in your home where children engage in quiet activities such as coloring, reading or drawing.

Find healthy outlets

Everyone needs their space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, explore coping strategies that will help you recharge and express yourself. Going for a run, talking to a friend, or engaging in a favorite hobby are some strategies that can help.