Repeating themselves

Have you ever met a person that will ask you the same question repeatedly... to the point of the question becoming annoying? Especially when they either don't listen to the answer, or just don't seem to hear you, or maybe they just can't process it?

I have been married nearly 14 years to a woman who used to do just that. Almost everyone in her family does the same. Both of our children do the same. This is a subject near and dear to my heart.

What it is NOT:
Sometimes, the behavior borders on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). in fact, my wife's family used to refer to her dad as "obsessing" when he would ask things 15 straight times.

Young children do this. In fact, nearly all young children will ask the same question over and over. It is a way they learn. This is not what I am talking about.

Also, the elderly may also develop this trend. If so, please have them screened for Alzheimer's. It is a known symptom of the debilitating disease of the mind.


What it IS:
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), formerly known as sensory integration dysfunction, is widespread. This disorder prevents a person from being able to make full "heads or tails" of information their brain receives.

Often, SPD is misdiagnosed in children as ADD or ADHD. Sadly, since neither ADD nor ADHD is a real disorder, this is never the case. I feel sorry for the kids forced to take Ritalin because their brains cannot adequately process sensory input.

It is not uncommon for folks with SPD to have other pronounced issues with processing information. Mrs. Usagi was diagnosed with Dyslexia at a young age. I think the incomplete brain pathways of both SPD and Dyslexia are related. I'm not the only one.



Therapies:
Therapy can be best discussed with a specialist. For those who want natural alternative methods, let me describe a process that works when followed:
1. When the person asks the same question (or makes the same statement) a second time, hold up two fingers such that they can clearly see them.
2. When the person asks the question a third time, hold up three fingers.
3. If the person continues and asks a fourth time, hold up four fingers.
- Advise them that the answer has not changed (if it was a repeated question)
- Advise them that you heard them all four times (if it was a repeated statement)

Do this consistently, and you will end up helping your friend / loved one. This pattern helps them focus with their conscious mind, and develops neural pathways associated with listening for an answer to a question or listening for a response to a statement.

Consistency is the key. This forces the person to not only ask a question, but concentrate on listening for an answer. 

Do not get angry or frustrated with them. Reply in a kind manner each and every time. They cannot help it.


Finally:
Have the person help others with the same condition.

Mrs. Usagi has all but completely stopped the repeated questions / statements since helping our children. Both kids have almost completely stopped the behavior. My daughter is the only one who still shows some signs, and that is simply because she is still only 4 years old.