About Erin E. Maio-Harrison, MA,CCC-SLP Expertise I am able to answer questions related to speech, language, cognitive, swallowing disorders in both children and adults. My focus area relates to disorders that are secondary to trauma (i.e., head injury) or disease, (i.e., Dementia) but I am able to answer basic questions (or find more info) about developmental disorders as well.
Experience I am a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist with 18 years experience primarily in acute care pediatrics and in-pt. rehab. I have also continuously moonlighted in geriatrics, primarily skilled nursing settings and have had private clients of all ages. My focus of practice is neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders.
Organizations American Speech & Hearing Association, (ASHA)
South Carolina Speech/Hearing Association(SCSHA)
Education/Credentials Masters Degree, Communication Disorders and Speech Science (CU Boulder)
Expert: Erin E. Maio-Harrison, MA,CCC-SLP - 6/13/2009
Question My grandson is 2 1/2 years old and speaks very well. He is my son's second and middle child. His older sister speaks very well also. My concern is that he ALWAYS says the command, want, or simple sentence 5, 6, or even 7 times. He hardly takes a breath in between speaking also. (He does NOT stutter). He is NOT an active little boy as far as 'over' active would be called. (I am a retired secretary of an elementary school and worked with 'trying' to understand many children of all abilities). I have NEVER heard a child in my 19 years of working with them repeat complete sentences as my grandson does. We are from a small town in East Tennessee where services are not readily available unless it is severe. I don't think my grandson's speech is severe, it ONLY CONCERNS ME and OFTEN bugs me to no end! Even his sister that is one year older than him says "stop saying that 20 times you are giving me a headache"! Thanks for your time!!
Answer Judy-
I agree with you, this seems pretty unusual and not stuttering. I would have to classify it more of a behavior than a speech/language disorder, although it certainly has the potential to negatively impact social communication.
When it is brought to his attention, what does he say? Is he aware of it? Is almost sounds like a compulsion. Is he compulsive in any other ways? All I can offer is that first I would see if I could use basic behavioral modification techniques to slowly reduce then eliminate it. If those were not successful or seemed to upset him, I might seek the assistance of a child psychologist as they are best equipped to handle unwanted behaviors of which this really is one.
Good Luck-
Erin E. Harrison, MA,CCC-SLP
Speech/Language Pathologist
