Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others and is commonly seen in individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. It may be immediate or delayed and can serve various communicative or self-regulatory functions. SLPs assess the function of echolalia in context and design interventions that expand meaningful, self-generated language.
Treatment approaches include modeling, script training, and functional communication training. Understanding and shaping echolalia supports language development and social communication.
Prizant, B. M., and Rydell, P. J. "Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Children Who Use Echolalia." Topics in Language Disorders 13, no. 1 (1992).
Stiegler, L. N. "Echolalia in Verbal Children with Autism: An Interactional Interpretation." The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 35, no. 5 (2005).
