echolalia
Pronunciation: eck-oh-LAY-lee-ah
The repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, occurring immediately or after a delay, often associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Full Definition
Echolalia is the repetition of speech produced by others, which can be immediate (occurring right after hearing the model) or delayed (occurring hours, days, or weeks later). While echolalia is a normal part of early language development, persistent echolalia beyond typical developmental stages may indicate autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, or other communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists assess whether echolalia serves communicative functions and develop interventions to expand beyond repetitive speech patterns toward more flexible, functional communication. Some echolalia may serve specific communicative purposes, such as requesting or protesting.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between functional and non-functional echolalia in treatment planning.
In Context
- "The child demonstrated both immediate and delayed echolalia during the language assessment." — Diagnostic evaluation
- "Treatment goals focused on reducing non-functional echolalia while building spontaneous communication skills." — Intervention plan