My 3 year old son talks to himself, is this common in children of his age who are starting to talk?

Question

I'm very concerned that my son my be showing signs of autisim. He only mimics proper words when I say them to him but he just talks jibberish to himself most of the time. He knows colours, animals, the alphabet and numbers but cant converse properly yet. Advice would be so much appreciated from Parents. Thank you

Answer 1

I have 3 girls, ranging for ages 1-3. I understand what you are experiencing with the 3 year old. They simply talk to themselves most of the time when they are bored or while playing. I would not worry about the situation at hand. The only time I would start worrying is when the child gets older and still doing this, give it a few years. He is just starting to talk and there are alot of words he is trying to say. Mine do it all the time. Thanks

Answer 2

Yes it's very common. do not worry.

Answer 3

I'm not a parent, but it sounds normal as long as he isn't having a conversation with himself or anything...

My sister is 7 and still kind of talks to herself..

Answer 4

I have a 3 and 1/2 year old son, and yes, when i sneak up on him when he is playing quietley he is usually jibbering away to himself, i can never understand what it is, i think it is rather cute!!! I would not panic, he sounds as though he is quiet advanced!!!

Answer 5

All children do that. They are curious about what sounds they are able to make by themselves, and it helps them develop a sense of speech and sound.

You will find your kid making up stories, repeating things you say to himself, or just singing in the next years to come.

My son is a total nutcase when it comes to this. Many or his toys have died violent deaths, only to be resurrected by a kiss or a sip of coke. Time out for his stuffed animals is also a favorite.

EDIT:

To Mike: I think most people even so this to a certain extent when they are older. I read in a recent article that people who talk to themselves (for example at work) are able to concentrate better on the task at hand because hearing something out loud organizes your brain better.

To ThreadStarter: Don't freak out if he still does this at age 8 or 9. You never played out stories with barbie dolls when you were younger?