Hello!
My child is talking to themselves... Not talking to anyone, just muttering... talking to themselves...
Some parents might find a little bit of talking to themselves cute, but if it goes on for a long time, it can be a bit concerning.
This time, we asked a certified psychologist about children's "self-talk."
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Hello. I am Tanaka, a certified psychologist.
This time, I would like to discuss "children's self-talk" with you all, as it is something I often receive consultations about.
●Are they talking about something?Is this self-talk?
I thought they were playing alone, but then they were muttering... Is it self-talk?
I can't tell what they're thinking. I wish they would stop... Perhaps many parents feel this way. So, what is the meaning behind such self-talk?
●What is the cause?
First, let's look at a few reasons for "self-talk."
1. Organizing emotions and thoughts
Self-talk can be a way for children to organize their emotions and thoughts and calm themselves down. By talking to themselves, they may be calming themselves and self-defending against anxiety and stress. This tendency is said to be particularly strong in children with autism spectrum disorder.
2. Confirmation and retention of information
By talking to themselves, children may be reconfirming what they have learned, experienced, or enjoyed, and trying to solidify it in their memory. It is also said that by repeatedly saying specific words or phrases, they gain a sense of security. Children with autism spectrum disorder are said to have a tendency to prefer repetition and checking of words.
3. Self-expression
Through self-talk, children express themselves by playing roles or creating stories. It can also be a trigger to enter their own world.
4. Reflexive reactions
Children with autism spectrum disorder tend to reflexively vocalize words that come to mind in response to information they hear or see. It is also said that their characteristic "weakness in perspective-taking (inability to read the reactions of others)" is related to this.
Also, considering the characteristics of "impulsivity" and "hyperactivity/talkativeness" in children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), it is not uncommon for them to vocalize whatever they think of or see.
Case Study: A 5-year-old boy
The consultation was about whether to stop the child from talking to himself constantly, or to leave him be... and whether the parent should respond to the self-talk.
After listening to the whole story, it was explained that self-talk is not always a bad thing and can sometimes be necessary for organizing thoughts. The family was advised to observe for a while, and the situation was monitored. After a certain period, the self-talk continued, but about a year later, the parents reported that the child had stopped talking to himself, and the consultation was concluded.
●Summary
Whether or not a child has a developmental disability is, I believe, one of the things parents are most concerned about.
As explained in the section on causes, self-talk may, of course, be a characteristic of children with developmental disabilities. However, according to the Russian psychologist Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky, children internalize the meaning of words through communication with adults and peers. In other words, language, which was initially used merely to express feelings or just to be used, gradually transforms into a tool for internal thought. In this process, language shapes thought, and thought refines language.
Vygotsky seemed to believe that this interaction between language and thought was the key to promoting the development of human consciousness. If we consider that children shape their thoughts or organize their ideas through overt speech, or self-talk, then "self-talk" might be a key to promoting development.
It's understandable to be concerned if your child is constantly talking to themselves when it's just the two of you at home, but if self-talk is the only concerning behavior, I personally believe it's fine to observe them gently.
If you are still worried and it's causing stress for you as a parent, it would be a good idea to consult a specialized medical institution.
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Teacher, thank you for your valuable insights!