Echolalia

Picture this. Your child’s teacher says, “Get your coat.” Your child does not move, but instead repeats, “Get your coat.” Sounds like they’re being fresh, right? But, for kids with autism, echoing the last word or phrase they heard is very common and it’s referred to as echolalia. They’re not doing it to be obnoxious; it’s one way they process language.

Here’s another scenario.  When Mikey was younger, if you asked him a question with two options, he would always repeat the last option. Then, you’d assume he wanted the second option and give it to him, and instead of being happy, he’d be frustrated.

“Mikey, do you want candy or broccoli?” The verbal reply would be broccoli, even though I promise, that’s not what he wanted.

A Benefit

Even though the scenarios above are tricky, there is a big benefit to echolalia for the kids who are repeating.  They are practicing their verbal articulation and they’re experimenting with the reaction. 

I always thought my job was to show Mikey that all communication was helpful so I would always try to work with him. Visual aids can help with choosing between two options to make sure that you’re getting an accurate answer.  In addition, using high contrast options: one that your child loves and one that they hate…just for the purpose of teaching them to communicate their preferences. When the choices are both preferred items, use visual aids and make sure to mix up the order in which you ask the question. 

Scripting

Using lines from movies or TV shows is another way our kids use language. I do this all the time, and I don’t have autism. I find it funny to quote lines from movies when they fit into conversations.  Repeating conversations your kids have heard in videos or shows allows them to practice having spontaneous conversation. They sometimes use movie lines cleverly as well.  Mikey watched a show where the main character always said, “Bye, now.” And, all these years later, he still says it…super cute.