what is echolalia?
Echolalia is a form of verbal repetition that involves copying words or phrases spoken by others and is most commonly known as a characteristic of autism.
Echolalia is often misunderstood, and it can be challenging for parents to know how to help their child who uses it. In this blog, I will provide parents with a deeper understanding of what echolalia is and answer some common questions about this communication pattern.
Echolalia is Different Than Repeating Words and Phrases
Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by another person. This is different from repeating words or phrases for the sake of learning or practicing language. Echolalia can be immediate, meaning the child repeats the words or phrases right after they hear them, or delayed, meaning the child repeats them later on.
An Example of Echolalia”
Imagine a child with echolalia is at the park with their parent, and they see another child playing with a ball. The child may repeat the phrase, "I want the ball," even if they don't want the ball themselves. This is because they are repeating what they heard another child say, not necessarily because they want the ball themselves.
Immediate Echolalia vs. Delayed Echolalia
Immediate echolalia occurs when a child repeats a word or phrase they have just heard, such as a song from a TV show or words spoken by another person. An example of immediate echolalia is when a child repeats the question "What's your name?" instead of answering with their own name.
On the other hand, delayed echolalia is when a child repeats words or phrases at a later time, ranging from several minutes to even days after they heard someone else say them. While delayed echolalia may seem more confusing because the repeated words and phrases may not be in the correct context, it can still be used to convey a specific message or purpose.
Why do Children use Echolalia?
There are many reasons why children use echolalia. For some children, it is a way to practice language and learn new words and phrases. For others, it is a way to communicate with others when they are struggling to find the right words themselves. In some cases, echolalia may be a symptom of a language disorder or developmental delay.
4 Common Questions Parents May Have About Echolalia
Is echolalia a characteristic of autism?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), echolalia is listed as a characteristic of autism.
Should I be concerned if my child uses echolalia?
If your child is using echolalia to communicate, it is important to understand why they are using it. It may be a sign of a language disorder or developmental delay, and you may want to seek out the help of a pediatric speech language pathologist.
Will my child outgrow echolalia?
While working with a speech therapist, some children may overcome echolalia and start using their own words to communicate. It's crucial to remember that each child is unique and their progress in therapy can differ based on their individual abilities and the root cause of their echolalia.
Can a child have echolalia even if they don’t have autism?
It's possible for children to experience echolalia even if they do not have autism. Echolalia is not limited to individuals with autism and may also occur in those with other developmental or neurological disorders. A qualified Speech Language Pathologist can conduct an assessment to identify the underlying cause of the echolalia.
With Love,
SG Speech Therapy, Inc.