Self-talk is a conversation with oneself or imaginary friends. It can be a way for individuals with Down syndrome (and many without Down syndrome) to process information, cope with challenging situations, direct behavior, and counter boredom. Sometimes self-talk can be misinterpreted as a sign of mental illness. Self-talk in and of itself is usually not a sign of mental illness in people with Down syndrome. However, a change in self-talk may indicate a medical, social, or psychological concern or stress. Overall, self-talk is a healthy and helpful strategy for many individuals with Down syndrome. To learn more about self-talk, please see the article at this link.